Rural Ghanaians without internet are turning to betting through USSD
Mobile technology brings lotteries and betting to rural communities, widening access beyond cities and bridging the digital divide.
Ghana.- In rural Ghana, where internet access is limited, USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) technology is transforming how people play the lottery and place bets. This simple, internet-free service allows Ghanaians to participate in digital gambling on basic mobile phones, opening doors to entertainment, financial engagement and inclusion for communities often left out of the digital economy.
Recent data from the Bank of Ghana indicates that the country’s mobile money sector, heavily reliant on USSD, recorded “GH₵649.2bn ($46.5bn) in transactions in the first two months of 2025, a 64.7 per cent increase year on year”, according to Graphic Online.
The mobile money market, “valued at $192.24bn in 2024, is projected to reach $933.96bn by 2033, growing at a compound annual rate of 18.24 per cent”, according to a Business Insider Africa report.
The report further states: “This rapid expansion underscores the scale of digital financial engagement and highlights why USSD remains essential for connecting rural populations to the gambling economy.”
BusinessGhana highlighted the importance of USSD in Ghana’s digital payments, stating: “USSD’s continued presence in Ghana’s digital payment ecosystem shows its unmatched practicality and reach.” The technology remains essential for financial inclusion and digital engagement.
Betting made simple
The National Lottery Authority (NLA) allows players to participate in its 5/90 lottery via the USSD shortcode *959#, with ticket confirmations sent via SMS and winnings credited directly to mobile money accounts. Digital lottery provider MEGA6 Lotto uses *266# to reach players nationwide, ensuring rural residents can join without traveling to urban centres.
Sports betting is also moving to USSD. Betika Ghana’s *263# service lets users register, place bets, deposit and withdraw funds and check balances, all without internet access. Other operators, including Betway, betPawa, MSport, Football.com and SportyBet provide USSD shortcodes for account management, ensuring widespread accessibility.
For many rural Ghanaians, USSD offers more than just entertainment. Experts say it promotes financial literacy, responsible digital participation and provides a vital link to the broader digital economy, including access to lotteries and sports betting.
