Ghana Betting Winnings Tax 2026
Ghana’s former 10% withholding tax on lottery and betting winnings was repealed in April 2025.
The Ministry of Finance announced that the Income Tax (Amendment) Act, 2025 removed the withholding tax, and Parliament records the amendment as Act 1134, dated 2 April 2025.
What changed
Before repeal, operators withheld 10% from qualifying winnings. After the amendment took effect, that specific winnings withholding no longer applies.
What did not change
- betting remains regulated by the Gaming Commission of Ghana;
- users must be 18 or older;
- operators can still apply account, KYC, bonus and payment rules;
- other taxes or business obligations can apply in different circumstances.
The Ministry’s repeal announcement and economic-reform explanation are the primary government references.
For a material or unusual amount, use current Ghana Revenue Authority guidance or professional tax advice rather than an old betting article.
What to check on a statement
If an operator deducts an amount labelled tax, save the complete transaction statement and ask it to identify the legal basis, rate and effective date in writing. Distinguish a government tax from a withdrawal fee, payment-provider charge, currency conversion or bonus adjustment. Different labels require different evidence.
Do not pay a personal wallet or “agent” who claims that an advance tax will unlock a withdrawal. Use only the operator’s verified payment process and official support channel.
Players and gambling businesses are different
Repeal of the former withholding on an individual payout does not answer every possible tax question. Professional bettors, businesses, affiliates and operators can have separate income, corporate, VAT, levy or reporting obligations. Ghana Odds does not determine a reader’s tax residence or business status.
FAQ
Does the former 10% winnings withholding still apply?
The government sources cited above report its repeal in April 2025. Check for later amendments when relying on this page after the review date.
Does repeal make gambling profitable?
No. It changes a tax deduction, not the probability, bookmaker margin or risk of losing a stake.
What if an operator still shows an old tax notice?
Ask for the current legal basis and preserve the response. Escalate a documented Ghana-licensed-operator complaint through the GCG process where appropriate.
Information only, not tax advice. Last checked 3 August 2026.