Betting Is Not An Avenue To Be Taxed – Concerned Bettors of Ghana To Gov’t

The Concerned Bettors of Ghana (CBOG), has vehemently resisted the move by the government to tax betting and lottery gains and released a statement to that effect.

Speaking on Opemsuo Dawuro, the Convener of CBOG, Mr Richard Aguda, said that the government must rescind its decision.

“Betting is a try-your-luck game and does not qualify as an avenue to be taxed,” he added.

Mr Aguda insisted that the gaming industry has come to save the country as there are limited jobs for the youth. He therefore urged the government to be circumspect in its decision.

“Trying our luck to win one out of many and to pay tax on that one is a wierd decision. I therefore call for its abolishment and a compensation must be paid to us if we don’t win too,” he emphasised.

He reiterated that, betting and lottery are major sources of livelihood for millions of Ghana and any attempt by the government to impose taxes must be rejected.

Furthermore, he said that since bettors contribute to nation building, the government should have engaged them before passing the bill.

“Bettors contribute to nation building through E-Levy anytime we deposit money into our accounts for betting,” he emphasized.

Mr Aguda said betting is a source of income to many and reduces, social vices .

The bill which seeks to place a 10% tax on all betting and lottery gains is pending presidential assent.

Story by Effmen William