False! Tax on betting has not been scrapped

On October 25, 2023, claims emerged on social media stating that the Government of Ghana, through the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), had abolished the 10 percent tax levied on betting profits, effective on the very same day.

The claim was contained in an artwork supposedly published by ‘Best Football’, a sports page on TikTok. The artwork features an image of the president, Nana Akufo Addo, alongside TV3’s logo.

As of the time of this publication, the claim had garnered over 44,100 views, 950 likes, 122 comments, 77 bookmarks, and 92 shares.

Fact-Check Ghana has verified the claim and found it to be completely false.

Claim: “Tax on betting ends on October 25, 2023.

Verdict: Completely false

Explanation:

A betting tax has been imposed by the government on the money wagered in gambling-related activities, like horse racing and sports betting. It is usually a portion of the stake or profits and is meant to bring in money for the state.

Ghana enacted the new law that will tax lottery and betting winnings by 10% on August 15, 2023.

The Fact-Check Ghana’s team reached out to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to confirm the claim. The GRA refuted the claim.

TV3, the media house that was claimed to have reported that news, also refuted the claim.

Again, the team engaged with two bettors in Accra, and both of them dismissed that the 10% tax had been eliminated from the profits of their wins.

Also, Fact-Check Ghana’s internet search revealed that no prominent media house has reported the claim.

From the above, it is clear that the claim in circulation is completely false!