By Elsie Appiah-Osei
Accra, March 26, GNA – Parliament has on Wednesday approved the repeal of Betting Tax following the passage of the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
The Betting Tax, introduced in December 2023, imposed a 10 per cent levy on gross winnings from lotto, betting, and gaming. However, its enforcement was met with significant opposition from bettors and gaming operators, who argued that it was an unfair burden.
During the 2024 general election campaign, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) pledged to abolish the tax, branding it a “nuisance tax.”
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Finance Minister reaffirmed this commitment in the 2025 Budget statement and Economic Policy, proposing the removal of the Betting Tax, as well as the Electronic Transfer Levy known as E-Levy, Emissions Tax, and COVID-19 Levy.
“Mr. Speaker, the abolishment of these taxes is expected to ease the financial burden on citizens and businesses, improve disposable income, support business growth, and enhance tax compliance,” Dr. Forson stated.
With the approval of the repeal bills, the tax burden on bettors, digital transactions, and small-scale gold traders is expected to ease, a move widely welcomed by the public.
The bill will now be sent to President John Dramani Mahama for assent.
GNA
BM