Bingo Bet cashier gets jail term for stealing to bet
The incident adds to concerns about gambling’s impact in Ghana.
Ghana.- A 23-year-old cashier in Ghana has been sentenced to three months in prison with hard labour for stealing money from his employer to fund his betting habits. On April 30, 2025, Andy Tetteh, a staff member of Bingo Bets in Adabraka, diverted GH¢8,575 (€651) of customer payments and gambled the entire amount away.
Tetteh, who lived in the Ecomog area, admitted the theft when arrested. Police Chief Inspector Achana Apewah presented the case in Kaneshie District Court One, explaining that Tetteh received the cash from bettors but did not hand it over to his manager, Teye Simon Kwabla. Tetteh pleaded guilty, leading to his conviction without a trial.
Tetteh’s actions reflect a pattern seen in similar incidents, where individuals turn to theft to support their habits. Last month, in Eswatini, a man also stole about €483 from his workplace to gamble on Aviator. Such behaviour has drawn attention from Ghanaian authorities, with the Gaming Commission warning that addiction can lead to financial loss, mental health problems and legal consequences.
The incident adds to concerns about gambling’s impact in Ghana. Recent discussions highlight how easy access to betting shops contributes to such problems. Recently, a counsellor in the country raised alarms about youth involvement with gambling, saying it disrupts education and home life.
To prevent problematic play and its associated risks like financial crimes, the Gaming Commission urges players to adopt responsible gaming practices, such as setting deposit limits, taking regular breaks and using self-exclusion tools.
