Bettors Beware: Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube Targets Gamblers – Introduces 10 Percent Betting Tax
Gamblers in Zimbabwe will soon pay a 10% withholding tax on their sports betting winnings. This announcement came from Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube during the 2025 National Budget Statement proposal on 28 November 2024, delivered at the parliament building in Mount Hampden.
“To include punters in the tax base, I propose to introduce a 10% withholding tax on gross winnings of sports betting punters, with effect from 1 January,” said Ncube.
Public Reaction Sparks Debate
Social media erupted with reactions to the proposed betting tax. Many users expressed frustration, with some questioning the government’s priorities.
Twitter user @Mthungameli0 simply wrote, “Insane,” while @_tshele added, “The minister is really scraping at the bottom of the barrel.”
Some took a more humorous approach. @chap_boss tweeted, “He can even tax prostitution as well,” while @CGChange2023 joked, “Tell him to open a church. We will surely pay 10% of his tithe… Mthuli Ncube 10% Organisers Church Ministries.”
Punters Weigh In
The tax proposal also sparked concerns about how it would affect bettors’ earnings. @godie_mathe questioned, “10 percent as in $10 from 100 USD?” Others were more defiant, like @Brynmac2, who declared, “Never! I will not pay my tax on my bets.”
@ttchiwandire took a more exaggerated stance, tweeting, “Where this is going, even orgasms will be taxed, no matter how you achieve one!”
Government’s Intent
The government’s goal is to widen the tax base. Currently, bettors enjoy tax-free winnings, but the 10% withholding tax aims to capture a new revenue stream.
The move aligns with the minister’s broader strategy to enhance national revenue collection.
The reaction, however, shows widespread discontent. As @Tonde_Shamu bluntly put it, “This dude just taxing everything.”
Despite the backlash, Zimbabwe’s proposed betting tax is set to take effect from 1 January 2025, unless amendments are made before the final budget approval.
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The post Zimbabwe’s New Betting Tax: Mthuli Ncube Introduces 10% Levy On Winnings appeared first on iHarare News.
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