Betting tax removal confirmed for Ghana’s 2025 Budget

Ghana's Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has announced that the controversial betting tax will be abolished in the upcoming 2025 budget. This decision aims to fulfill campaign promises and alleviate the financial burden on bettors. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) government is committed to removing "nuisance taxes," with the betting tax being a primary focus. Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson is actively working on this initiative.

Currently, a 10% withholding tax is automatically deducted from all betting, gaming, and lottery winnings. However, this tax does not apply if games are cancelled or if payouts are equal to or less than the staked amount. 

Opare Addo emphasized that the administration is dedicated to achieving its policy objectives. The government introduced the withholding tax in April 2024, affecting both domestic and foreign lottery operators.