Ghana-Italy cybersecurity deal set to strengthen online betting payments and fraud protection
New cybersecurity cooperation could improve payment security, reduce fraud risks and boost trust for Ghana’s growing online betting and digital lottery sector.
Ghana.- Ghana’s latest cybersecurity partnership with Italy is set to strengthen payment security and fraud prevention for online betting operators, as the country moves to reinforce digital resilience across critical sectors.
Announced on April 17, the agreement focuses on closer cooperation in cybersecurity, cybercrime prevention and the protection of critical digital infrastructure, with significant implications for industries that rely heavily on secure online transactions, including sports betting and digital lottery platforms.
For Ghana’s betting industry, where mobile money, digital wallets and real-time payment systems drive customer activity, stronger cybersecurity protections could prove critical. Online sportsbooks and lottery platforms remain vulnerable to fraud, account breaches and payment security risks—threats that can quickly erode player trust.
Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, said: “Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Ghana and Italy are joining forces to build a secure and resilient digital future.”
The timing is significant. Ghana continues to face rising cyber threats across financial services, telecoms and online platforms, with reports showing the country recorded more than $3bn in cybercrime-related losses between 2019 and 2025, while cyber incidents rose 17 per cent year-on-year.
This is particularly relevant for betting operators, where secure transactions and strong identity verification are critical to protecting player funds and maintaining regulatory compliance.
Stronger digital trust
Improved national cybersecurity standards are expected to strengthen platform security and customer confidence, while reducing risks such as account takeovers and fraud targeting betting accounts. This is particularly important as mobile money continues to dominate payment activity across Ghana’s igaming sector.
The agreement could also push operators to strengthen compliance systems around customer data protection, anti-fraud controls, payment security and know-your-customer processes as cybersecurity expectations rise.
While tighter protections may increase operational costs, they could also improve confidence in regulated betting markets, where trust and transaction security remain essential for long-term growth.
More reliable fintech infrastructure for deposits and withdrawals is another likely benefit. Since many operators across Ghana depend on digital payment channels, stronger cybersecurity across financial networks could help reduce payment disruptions and improve transaction reliability for bettors.
For international operators and suppliers eyeing West African expansion, improved digital resilience may also strengthen Ghana’s appeal as a safer and more stable market for online gaming investment.
