Ghanaians’ opinions on sports betting have recently frequently been divided, with some highlighting its negative effects on the youth.
You may remember that the government announced plans to impose 10% taxes on all winnings from betting, games, and lotteries in April.
Ghanaian youth who partake in sports betting were vocal in their criticism of the new tax on social media.
Well, the new 10% withholding tax on all betting, gaming, and lottery winnings took effect on August 15, 2023, following a notice issued by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
A caller called in during the discussion on the 10% tax on betting on TV3 NewDay morning hosted by Berla Mundi.
The caller who is a Muslim agreed with the government to tax all betting and lottery wins. According to him, Ghanaian youth are so lazy nowadays that they want to use betting and lottery as a quick way to make money.
He said as Muslim his religion frowns on betting and if the 10% tax will prevent people from betting at all then he wishes government would increase the percentage to 50%.
He argued that those who engage in gambling can use the same money to start off a business.
“I am a Muslim and my religion doesn’t encourage betting so my wish is that the betting tax should even be increased to 50% to prevent people from betting at all. The youth have become lazy, all they do is bet,” the caller opined.
The caller’s comments did not sit well with some Ghanaian youth who engage in betting and lottery descended on him.
I am a Muslim and my religion doesn't encourage betting so my wish is that the betting tax should even be increased to 50% to prevent people from betting at all. The youth have become lazy, all they do is bet – Caller.#TV3NewDay pic.twitter.com/aY5c1ZutBg
— #TV3GH (@tv3_ghana) August 15, 2023
Relatively, Majority Leader, Hon. Kyei Mensah Bonsu has urged the youth to desist from engaging in any betting activities.
According to the Majority Leader in Parliament, he detests betting because it doesn’t encourage hard work and that those who say betting should be seen as work should know that stealing is also someone’s work.
In the past ten years, Ghana’s betting industry has experienced tremendous growth, which has encouraged numerous bookmakers to establish operations there.
