I will abolish 10% betting tax when elected – John Mahama

Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has said his next government will abolish the 10% tax on sports betting.

The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) under Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo introduced a 10% withholding tax on betting and lottery winnings in August 2023.

It is applied at the payout point for all betting, games, and lottery wins. The regulation aimed to mobilize domestic tax revenue and address the country’s economic challenges.

This 10% withholding tax on betting and lottery winnings has faced several backlash with several youths calling for its abolishment.

However, speaking at the NDC’s Town Hall Conversation on Monday at the Bukom Boxing Arena, John Mahama was asked if his government would scrap the 10% withholding tax on betting and lottery winnings.

He said, “We’ve talked a lot about this; if we come, we will abolish the betting tax. We know that this government has signed a deal with the IMF to initiate the betting tax, but when we come, we will find an alternative revenue source to replace the betting tax.”

The Domestic Tax Revenue Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) stated in October 2023 that it generated GH¢15 million within a month from the 10% withholding tax on betting and lottery winnings.