Ghana’s Black Queens have scored big at WAFCON. We delve into their achievement and the jubilation of bettors wagering on the tournament since the scrapping of the 10% betting tax.
In a landmark move, Ghana scrapped its controversial betting tax earlier this year, removing a disadvantage to punters once aptly described as a “nuisance tax.”
The 10% betting tax in Ghana, which was applied as a withholding tax on gross winnings from sports betting, lotteries and casino gaming, was officially repealed effective April 2nd, 2025, when President John Mahama signed the legislation abolishing it into law as part of broader tax reforms.
The repeal of Ghana’s 10% betting tax was widely expected to have a significant revitalising effect on the country's gambling industry.
Operators and other stakeholders had long argued that the tax discouraged participation, drove players toward unregulated offshore platforms and stifled industry growth.
By scrapping the tax, the government aimed to stimulate activity within the regulated market, increase player engagement and attract new investment from international gaming companies.
Gambling industry insiders anticipated an increase in revenues through higher volumes of play as bettors would no longer feel penalised for their winnings, along with a decline in the rate of players gravitating towards illegal gaming sites.
Ultimately, the repeal was widely seen as a pivotal move to restore confidence, curb the illicit market and encourage formalisation within Ghana’s rapidly growing digital gaming sector.
Ghanaian bettors expressed their glee and celebrated jubilantly after pocketing their full winnings without the annoyance of the usual 10% betting tax reducing their returns, following a thrilling high-stakes football clash at the Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarter finals.
Member of Parliament Owen Frimpong publicly praised the national women’s football team, the Black Queens, during a parliamentary sitting, highlighting the positive impact their recent victory had on bettors across the African nation following the scrapping of the tax.
“The people in my constituency are happy the Black Queens made them win bets, and there was no 10 per cent tax.”
He expressed the excitement among his constituents during his address to Parliament, after Ghana’s dramatic and nail-biting triumph over Algeria, emphasising that punters were able to enjoy every cedi of their winnings.
After celebrating victory over Algeria, Ghana's Black Queens threw their full weight into the semi-final against Morocco. It was a tough battle amid a Ghanaian gambling boom, and while the final slipped just out of their grasp, the journey wasn't over yet.
South Africa was next in line for their shot at a bronze medal and a mention in the history books as the first Ghanaian ladies' side to finish in the top 3 in the tournament since 2016. And so it was, after drawing 1-1 in the playoff, the Queens went on to win 4-3 on penalties in Casablanca.
Ghana’s bronze medal solidified their place amongst Africa’s elite in women’s football, with the hopes of many more to come.
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