The Ghana Association of Sports Betting Operations (GHASBO) has exposed claims by former Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam that the betting tax was never implemented.
The Association has revealed that the betting industry has made substantial contributions to national revenue, despite delays in the tax rollout.
Dr. Kobby Boateng, President of GHASBO, disclosed that the sector’s tax payments skyrocketed within a year, debunking the former Minister’s assertions.
“In 2023, we paid approximately GH¢58 million. After the tax was implemented in August, payments initially slowed but surged to GH¢158 million in 2024—nearly triple the previous year’s contribution,” he stated.
Speaking on Kessben FM, Dr. Boateng clarified that Dr. Adam’s confusion stemmed from conflating the betting tax with the National Lotteries Authority (NLA) withholding tax on winnings, which was never enforced.
“The NLA secured an exemption from the tax for reasons I won’t delve into. However, the betting tax, administered by the Gaming Commission, was fully implemented and collected,” he explained.
He stressed that Ghana’s gaming industry is regulated by two bodies: the Gaming Commission, which oversees sports betting and casinos, and the NLA, which manages lottery operations.
“All tax revenues from these entities are collected by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). “The GRA can confirm that the betting tax was fully operational,” Dr. Boateng asserted.
The NDC government has announced plans to review betting taxation policies, including scrapping the betting winnings tax. Industry stakeholders believe this move could enhance compliance and revenue generation.
GHASBO has reiterated its commitment to responsible gaming and robust regulation, ensuring the sports betting sector continues to drive economic growth while maintaining ethical standards.
The revelations have cast a shadow over the former Finance Minister’s credibility, raising questions about his understanding of the tax system and its implementation.