Sammy Awuku, a former Director-General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), and (NPP) Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, has expressed enthusiasm over the government's decision to scrap the Betting Tax.
Awuku, who has been a vocal critic of the tax even during the tenure of the previous administration, described it as a counterproductive measure that has failed to yield positive results in many jurisdictions. "I'm excited that the Betting Tax is going to be scrapped," Awuku said during an interview with Daily Guide Network (DGN). "I've been consistent about it, even during the NPP era, and I said it is something that personally has not worked in many of the jurisdictions anytime you have introduced taxes on betting." Highlighting his concerns, Awuku elaborated on the counterproductive nature of the tax, especially concerning government-owned institutions like the National Lottery Authority (NLA). "Lottery was part of the Betting Tax.
The National Lottery Authority, for instance, is owned by the government, and apart from the things that they do, at the end of the day, they must also contribute to the national kitty," he explained.
He pointed out the dilemma posed by the tax, which made illegal betting operators more attractive to players. "If the government is taxing itself, then what will happen is that the underground operators that we call the illegal operators, they will become emboldened. "If you play with the government, you attract a 10% tax on what you win.
