Is There Betting Tax in Ghana?
Bettors in Ghana do not pay tax on winnings under current rules. The 10% withholding tax on betting, gaming and lotto winnings was repealed in 2025. Operators still pay a 20% tax on their gross gaming revenue.
Betting tax example: Asante Kotoko vs Hearts of Oak
This example shows a win with no tax taken from winnings. Your bet slip shows the final amount.
You stake (bet) GH₵10 on Asante Kotoko to win at 2.50 (example odds).
If the match ends 2–1 to Asante Kotoko:
| Step | Calculation | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Stake | — | GH₵10.00 |
| Total return | GH₵10 × 2.50 | GH₵25.00 |
| Winnings (profit) | GH₵25 − GH₵10 | GH₵15.00 |
| Tax on winnings | Repealed in 2025 | GH₵0.00 |
| You receive | — | GH₵25.00 |
If Hearts of Oak win or the match is a draw, you lose the GH₵10 stake.
Use the payout calculator to check your return.
Is there tax on betting winnings in Ghana?
No. Under the rules in our sources, no tax is taken from your betting winnings.
There was a tax for a short time. The Income Tax (Amendment) Act, 2023 brought in a 10% withholding tax on lotto, betting and gaming winnings. Withholding tax is tax the payer keeps back before paying you. It was put into practice from 2024.
When was the 10% tax repealed?
Parliament approved the repeal of the 10% tax on 26 March 2025. Repeal means the law was cancelled.
Reports in April 2025 said the tax had been abolished. Our sources do not give one exact date when operators stopped deducting it.
| Period | Tax on winnings |
|---|---|
| Before 2024 | None |
| 2024 to 2025 | 10% withholding tax |
| After the 2025 repeal | None |
If you see a deduction on your slip, ask the operator what it is for.
What do betting operators pay?
Operators pay a 20% tax on their gross gaming revenue (GGR). GGR is the money an operator keeps after paying out winnings.
This tax comes from the Income Tax Act as amended, according to the tax firm EY in August 2025. You, the bettor, do not pay it directly. It is a cost for the operator.
Who regulates betting in Ghana?
The Gaming Commission of Ghana regulates betting. It works under the Gaming Act 2006 (Act 721).
Lotteries are separate. The National Lottery Authority oversees them.
EY reported about 90 licensed operators as of June 2025. Only bet with an operator licensed in Ghana. Read how to check a betting licence.
Why do betting sites check my ID?
The Gaming Commission introduced mandatory biometric verification linked to national IDs. Biometric means using your body, such as your face or fingerprint, to prove who you are.
The goal is to curb fraud and stop underage gambling. Have your national ID ready when you open an account.
This page is general information, not tax advice. Rules change; check your regulator's current guidance.
Rules in other countries:
- Betting tax in Kenya
- Betting tax in Nigeria
- Betting tax in Uganda
- Betting tax in Tanzania
- Online betting law in South Africa
Common mistakes
- Thinking the 10% tax on winnings still applies after the 2025 repeal.
- Not checking the bet slip for any deductions.
- Betting with unlicensed sites to avoid ID checks.
- Confusing the operator's 20% GGR tax with a tax on your winnings.
- Raising stakes because there is no tax, which only increases what you can lose.
FAQ
Do I pay tax on betting winnings in Ghana?
Not under the rules in our sources. The 10% withholding tax on betting, gaming and lotto winnings was repealed in 2025. Check your bet slip to confirm nothing is deducted.
When was the 10% betting tax removed?
Parliament approved the repeal on 26 March 2025. Reports in April 2025 said the tax had been abolished.
Who regulates betting in Ghana?
The Gaming Commission of Ghana, under the Gaming Act 2006 (Act 721). Lotteries are handled separately by the National Lottery Authority.
Why does my betting account ask for my national ID?
The Gaming Commission introduced mandatory biometric checks linked to national IDs. The aim is to reduce fraud and stop underage gambling.
Related guides
- How to calculate a betting payout
- How to check a betting licence
- Bankroll management in betting
- Where to get help with gambling