The Ghana Association of Sports Betting Operations (GASBO) has dismissed claims by former Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam that the betting tax was never implemented, asserting that the industry has consistently contributed to national revenue despite initial delays.
According to GASBO President, Dr. Kobby Boateng, the sector’s tax payments nearly tripled within a year, proving that the tax was effectively enforced.
“In 2023, we paid approximately GH¢58 million, despite the tax rollout starting in August, which slowed payments. However, in 2024, our contributions surged to GH¢158 million,” he revealed during an interview on Kessben FM.
Dr. Boateng clarified that Dr. Amin Adam may have confused the betting tax with the National Lotteries Authority (NLA) withholding tax on winnings, which was indeed never enforced due to lobbying efforts by the NLA.
“The NLA successfully secured an exemption from the tax, but the betting tax, as implemented by the Gaming Commission, was duly collected,” he stressed.
He further explained that Ghana’s gaming industry is regulated by two entities:
- The Gaming Commission, which oversees sports betting companies and casinos.
- The National Lotteries Authority (NLA), which regulates lottery operations.
Dr. Boateng emphasized that all tax payments from both regulatory bodies are collected by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), confirming that the betting tax was fully implemented and that the GRA can verify this.
Meanwhile, the NDC government has announced plans to review betting taxation policies, including a proposal to abolish the tax on betting winnings—a move that industry players believe will enhance compliance and revenue generation.
GASBO reaffirmed its commitment to responsible gaming and strict industry regulation, ensuring that sports betting continues to serve as a key economic contributor while maintaining ethical standards.
