Ghana has officially repealed its 10% tax on gambling winnings. Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, announced the repeal in his presentation of the 2025 budget, arguing that eliminating the tax would ultimately boost economic activity.
Like many African countries, Ghana has seen a rapid expansion of its gambling industry in the past decade, with sports betting becoming the most popular pastime among young Ghanaian males.
Gambling market revenue is projected to reach $915.94 million in 2025, with an annual growth rate of 1.98% between 2025 and 2029, resulting in a projected market volume of $990.73 million by 2029. The casino games market has a projected market value of $604.80 million for 2025.
Due to this increasing interest in gambling, many are rejoicing at the news of the recent gambling tax being repealed.
Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has officially signed into law the repeal of the country’s 10% tax on all betting and lottery winnings, reversing the policy established by his predecessor, Nana Akufo-Addo.
The 10% tax on gambling and lottery winnings was enacted through the Income Tax (Amendment) Act 2023, also known as Act 1094, which was passed by Parliament in March 2023. The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) began implementing it on August 15, 2023.
The introduction of the tax faced public criticism, especially from younger Ghanaians involved in sports betting, who expressed concerns over reduced winnings due to the tax, but the government proceeded with its implementation despite the protest, citing expansion of the tax base and discouraging compulsive gambling behaviour.
The controversial decision to repeal the law has sparked debate among economic analysts and the general public and represents a major shift in the country’s fiscal and regulatory stance on the gambling industry.
The 10% withholding tax applied exclusively to winnings, excluding the original stake amount, and was automatically deducted at the point of payout.
The repeal is great news for gamblers, as there had been recent calls to increase the tax to an astounding 50%, with the rationale being to further discourage excessive gambling and increase the public revenue generated from the rapidly expanding gambling industry.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced the repeal of the gambling tax, along with other fiscal levies, during his presentation of the 2025 budget. He argued that eliminating these taxes would reduce financial strain on households, increase disposable incomes, and ultimately boost economic activity.
The news of the repeal has not been universally welcomed, with the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) in Ghana expressing concern about the fiscal implications of the repeal. Critics are also worried that the government may be inadvertently incentivising excessive gambling, especially among the country’s youth.
Meanwhile, betting operators have already ramped up their marketing efforts, introducing promotions such as no-deposit bonuses to attract new players. The change in the law is expected to significantly enhance the attractiveness of betting activities, with players retaining a larger share of their winnings, leading to industry growth.
Ghana’s top online casinos have it all - thrilling slots, enticing progressive jackpots, secure platforms, fast payouts and unbeatable entertainment value.
With the repeal of the gambling winnings tax, why not take the opportunity to sign up at one of Ghana’s trusted licensed casinos and begin your adventure today?
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