Ghana audit firm urges government to reconsider 20% gaming tax

Makers and Partners (MAP), a prominent audit firm, has called on the government to review the current tax system that imposes a 20% Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) tax on casino operators. Nii Addo Mensah, Managing Partner at MAP, highlighted that, in addition to this corporate tax, operators are also required to pay a licensing fee to the Gaming Commission, which amounts to around 9% of their revenue.

This appeal was made during an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at the inaugural Ghana Gaming and Lottery Awards. 

Mensah pointed out that land-based casinos face significant operational costs, including rent, which accounts for roughly 25% of their income, and staff salaries, which consume about 40%. With these heavy expenses, paying the GGR tax becomes an added burden. "Casino operators must be allowed to deduct their license fees, rent, and staff costs before applying the GGR tax," he urged.

The event, organized by Syndicated Entertainment Solution Limited in partnership with the Gaming Commission of Ghana and the National Lotteries Authority (NLA), aimed to promote responsible gaming, encourage innovation, and honor exceptional contributions to the industry.

The call for tax reform comes after the introduction of the Income Tax Amendment Act 2023 (Act 1094), which established a 20% GGR tax and a 10% tax on gaming winnings.