The success of any bookmaker in Ghana depends heavily on how well it covers the sports that matter most to local players. In a country where football dominates everyday life, it’s no surprise that betting markets are strongly focused on the Ghana Premier League (GPL), the English Premier League (EPL), and international competitions such as the UEFA Champions League and AFCON. However, other sports such as basketball, tennis, boxing, and even eSports are gaining popularity.
This page explores the most popular sports for betting in Ghana, explains why they attract punters, and compares how different bookmakers perform in these markets.
Football — The King of Sports in Ghana
Football is not just a sport in Ghana; it is part of the national identity. From local GPL matches to international tournaments, betting on football dominates all other categories. Bookmakers like SportyBet, Betway, 1xBet, and 22Bet dedicate the majority of their markets to football.
Punters enjoy betting on:
GPL — local league games featuring Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko.
EPL — especially matches involving Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool.
UEFA Champions League — one of the most bet-on tournaments in Ghana.
AFCON — major continental event with huge national interest.
Football betting is attractive because of the variety of markets — from predicting winners and goals scored to corner kicks and player statistics.
Basketball — Growing Popularity
While not as dominant as football, basketball has a strong following among younger bettors, especially those influenced by the NBA. Bookmakers like 1xBet and Betwinner provide extensive coverage of American basketball, while others offer EuroLeague and FIBA competitions.
Key basketball betting markets include:
- NBA regular season and playoffs
- Player points and rebounds
- Team totals and handicaps
Basketball betting appeals to punters who enjoy fast-paced action and frequent scoring opportunities.
Tennis — A Niche with High Odds
Tennis betting is popular among strategic bettors in Ghana. Major tournaments like Wimbledon, Roland Garros, and the US Open draw attention, especially for live betting. Bookmakers such as Betway and 22Bet provide competitive odds on singles and doubles matches.
Tennis betting attracts players because:
- Matches are frequent throughout the year.
- Odds often shift quickly, creating opportunities in live betting.
- Bettors can specialize in specific players or tournaments.
Boxing — Cultural Significance
Boxing has deep cultural roots in Ghana, producing legends like Azumah Nelson. Many punters enjoy betting on international fights featuring Ghanaian athletes. Although not every bookmaker offers extensive boxing coverage, platforms like 1xBet and Betwinner usually list major bouts.
Boxing markets often include:
- Winner of the fight
- Total rounds
- Method of victory (KO, TKO, decision)
eSports — The New Frontier
Younger bettors in Ghana are increasingly drawn to eSports. Games like FIFA, CS:GO, and Dota 2 are now part of bookmaker offerings. While eSports is still niche compared to football, it is gaining traction. 1xBet leads in this area, offering dozens of markets daily.
Comparison of Sports Coverage by Bookmakers
| Bookmaker | Football Coverage | Basketball | Tennis | Boxing | eSports | Sign Up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SportyBet | Excellent (GPL, EPL, AFCON) | Moderate | Limited | Limited | No | SportyBet |
| Betway | Excellent | Good | Good | Limited | Limited | Betway |
| 1xBet | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Excellent | 1xBet |
| 22Bet | Excellent | Good | Good | Limited | Good | 22Bet |
| Betwinner | Very Good | Excellent | Good | Good | Good | Betwinner |
| Betika | Good (GPL focus) | Limited | Limited | Limited | No | Betika |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Sports Coverage in Ghana
Advantages:
- Football is universally covered with detailed markets.
- Bookmakers are expanding into basketball, tennis, and eSports.
- Local GPL betting creates strong engagement with national teams.
Disadvantages:
- Some bookmakers ignore niche sports like boxing or athletics.
- eSports is still underdeveloped in most platforms.
- Smaller bookmakers often have fewer live betting options.
FAQ — Sports Coverage in Ghana
Q1: Which bookmaker is best for betting on the GPL?
SportyBet and Betika focus heavily on local league matches.
Q2: Which bookmaker has the widest variety of sports?
1xBet, with strong coverage across football, basketball, tennis, and eSports.
Q3: Can I bet on boxing in Ghana?
Yes, major bookmakers like 1xBet and Betwinner provide markets for international fights.
Q4: Is eSports betting legal in Ghana?
Yes, licensed bookmakers can offer eSports markets.
Final Thoughts
Sports coverage is one of the main reasons punters choose one bookmaker over another. In Ghana, football is king, but basketball, tennis, boxing, and eSports are steadily carving out their space. Bookmakers like SportyBet and Betika dominate local football betting, while 1xBet and Betwinner stand out for their diversity of markets. Players who know what they want — be it GPL, NBA, or Wimbledon — can easily find a bookmaker that fits their needs.