Former National Lottery Authority (NLA) Director-General, Sammi Awuku, has backed the government's decision to abolish the betting tax, describing it as ineffective and detrimental to lottery operations.
Awuku revealed that he had advised against the tax during his party, New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, arguing it had failed in other countries.
"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 told the Daily Guide Network.
He noted that the tax incentivized illegal betting operators by discouraging participation in government-regulated lottery schemes. "When playing with the government, a 10% tax is applied, but illegal operators offer full payouts," he explained.
Awuku’s comments align with Finance Minister-designate Dr Cassiel Ato Forson's recent pledge to abolish the betting tax.
Forson emphasised that the tax had not curbed youth betting or significantly boosted revenue, making its removal a viable step for the economy.