Former Director General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Sammi Awuku has has expressed excitement over the ruling National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) decision to cancel betting tax.
The betting tax Introduced in August 2023 by the erstwhile New Patriotic Party (NPP) is a 10% withholding tax on all gambling winnings was aimed at boosting government revenue.
Sammi Awuku who is now Member of Parliament (MP) for Akuapem North Constituency, revealed he was against the betting tax from the onset because it affected lottery customers.
Sammi Awuku said he advised his party against it and is now happy that President John Dramani Mahama is going to fulfill his campaign promise of canceling the tax.
“I’m excited that the betting tax will be scrapped. I’ve consistently opposed it, even during the NPP era, as it hasn’t worked in many jurisdictions,” Awuku said in an interview with Daily Guide Network (DGN).
He added that the betting tax was going to affect lotteries because people were going to resort to illegal means in their bid to evade the tax.
“Lottery was part of the betting tax. The government-owned National Lottery Authority must contribute to the national kitty.
“However, taxing oneself is counterproductive, as it empowers underground operators. When playing with the government, a 10% tax is applied, but illegal operators offer full payouts,” Awuku explained.
