The Ghanaian government intends to impose a new 10% tax on all winnings from gambling, games, and lotteries.
The new tax has received harsh criticism from Ghanaians, many of whom participate in gambling, especially young people.
The government’s decision to impose taxes on sports betting and the lottery has angered Ghanaian sports bettors.
Some sports bettors said “I could lose all my bets in a year so if I should win one day and then 10 percent is deducted, it actually means that I have lost.”
“Honestly, it is not fair. We are suffering because the system is not any better so taking away 10 percent of my bet wins is not a good thing.”
The government was urged by the sports bettors to rethink its plans to withhold 10% of winnings from lotteries, sports wagering, and other games of chance at the time of payout.
READ ALSO: John Dumelo Attacks Gov’t For Placing Taxes On Sports Betting And Lottery
In the past ten years, Ghana’s betting industry has experienced tremendous growth, which has prompted numerous betting companies to open offices there.
Ghanaians’ opinions on sports betting have recently frequently been divided, with some highlighting its negative effects on the youth.
Others agree, saying that since gambling is legal and not against the law, it cannot be characterized as a bad habit.
Relatively, actor and politician John Dumelo has criticized the Ghanaian government for enacting a new tax on all winnings from gambling and lotteries.
According to Dumelo, the government ought to focus on giving young people access to jobs.
He warned that if things keep going this way, the youth may soon rebel against their leaders in a post on Twitter in which he criticized the government’s decision to impose new taxes on sports betting.
“Create jobs, you won’t create. The youth have created their own jobs too ahhh, you want to tax their winnings…..continue. That day will come when the youth will rise against you. It will be too late,” Dumelo tweeted.
Create jobs, you won’t create. The youth have created their own jobs too ahhh, you want to tax their winnings…..continue. That day will come when the youth will rise against you. It will be too late.
— Farmer John (@johndumelo) April 6, 2023
