Nigerian Government plans to begin taxing gambling.

[Dave1]

I don't know why some societies have agreed adopting such policies, it will be better if they say they are tasking the casino and not the gamblers who are looking to make money and have fun, it's supposed to fun not an occupation that happens to be taxable. I don't really buy the idea of them doing such, because it's an all round loss for the gambler in a situation where they are loosing but may be workable when they are winning which actually doesn't sound fair enough.

I think gambling has been legalized in Nigeria and the casino has been the ones getting all the taxes for a very long time now. Maybe the revenue that the government are making from the taxes are not enough for them anymore therefore they are now looking for more ways that they can make money and they consider the gamblers to be the next option. Gamblers do make profits and in many countries, you are to pay taxes on any profits you make. Therefore I do no see it as a problem if Nigerians that are gambling and making profits are being asked to pay taxes on their profits. When you are running a business and you make profits, you have to pay taxes and the governments are seeing betting as a business because many people are now making it their business that they invest into.

I'm not sure if taxes are not enough, I mean if they are getting taxes then for sure it will be huge as we all know that gambling is a business. That is if we are talking about the legal ones. But if we are talking about those illegal bet shop, then that's where the problem lies.

Obviously, they don't like to pay taxes and sometimes there are a fight in the bet house itself as we have read some several members who is from Nigeria. From what I research it's 7% tax lottery tax. So that is huge already, but perhaps they really wanted to create more taxes from gambling to sort of make the Nigerians not to play anymore.

[ethereumhunter]

I think when there is gambling that has been officially legalized in the country there must be a tax payment that applies, but in my opinion this is more on the casino itself which is responsible for paying its taxes, with players who visit I think they should not be closer to depression because I think the responsibility for gambling tax is the casino's obligation not the player. But I think if gambling in Nigeria was legalized, was there no option to impose taxes before? This cannot ensure that they will gamble more on the crypto platform, because generally we all have our own thoughts and interests, but maybe when they know the difference then there will be a choice that is made too. It is difficult to get certainty, he explained. In addition, the imposition of taxes is not a new thing, because I think it is impossible in one country that there are no taxes imposed on companies or others.

Yeah, the tax will be implement soon gambling officially legalized because the government will see that many people involved to gambling and will placing their bet every days. Some people will win much money so that can be a good amount of tax that the winner should pay. The casino should pay their taxes, same as the winner because the money can be transfer to their bank account and they bank will identify that money is come from the casino. But if they used crypto to playing gambling, maybe that will need more regulation so the country will still get the tax. Hopefully, the tax is not too high for the winner because that can reduce their win money

[gunhell16]

Here in our country, the lottery business, when someone gets a jackpot price, automatically when the winning amount is taken from the office itself, 12% tax will be deducted immediately.
Today, in regulated gambling online casinos or physical casinos, there are probably taxes that are taken from the owners of this gambling.

But for gamblers in the casino, I don't know if there is a tax, but from what I can see, it doesn't seem to be there yet, so if they implement it, it will be a bit heavy on the part of the gamblers.

[Yaunfitda]

Here in our country, the lottery business, when someone gets a jackpot price, automatically when the winning amount is taken from the office itself, 12% tax will be deducted immediately.
Today, in regulated gambling online casinos or physical casinos, there are probably taxes that are taken from the owners of this gambling.

But for gamblers in the casino, I don't know if there is a tax, but from what I can see, it doesn't seem to be there yet, so if they implement it, it will be a bit heavy on the part of the gamblers.

As far as experienced goes, I do not think that gamblers are being tax when they won big, they got the full prize and get out of the casinos with that money, like it they gamble on a land base casinos. And most likely it will be the same for online gambling as well.

So with that, it is the casino itself that pays taxes and not the winners unless it is lottery as this is a state sponsored gambling and with that, you really have to pay high taxes, even in the US. It we are going to talk about taxes, I agree that the government should put at least a decent amount and hopefully that taxes will be put into good use.

[Kelward]

I think when there is gambling that has been officially legalized in the country there must be a tax payment that applies, but in my opinion this is more on the casino itself which is responsible for paying its taxes, with players who visit I think they should not be closer to depression because I think the responsibility for gambling tax is the casino's obligation not the player. But I think if gambling in Nigeria was legalized, was there no option to impose taxes before? This cannot ensure that they will gamble more on the crypto platform, because generally we all have our own thoughts and interests, but maybe when they know the difference then there will be a choice that is made too. It is difficult to get certainty, he explained. In addition, the imposition of taxes is not a new thing, because I think it is impossible in one country that there are no taxes imposed on companies or others.

Yeah, the tax will be implement soon gambling officially legalized because the government will see that many people involved to gambling and will placing their bet every days. Some people will win much money so that can be a good amount of tax that the winner should pay. The casino should pay their taxes, same as the winner because the money can be transfer to their bank account and they bank will identify that money is come from the casino. But if they used crypto to playing gambling, maybe that will need more regulation so the country will still get the tax. Hopefully, the tax is not too high for the winner because that can reduce their win money

Tax is a compulsory levy from income earners and profits earned from business to the government of any country. Governments can have reasons to increase taxations so I believe that taxing or increasing taxation should be between gambling companies and the government, not necessarily mentioning the gamblers. The gambling industry makes money from gamblers and if a government increases their taxation then they'll also increase the percentage that they take from gamblers wins. Saying that a government is taxing gambling doesn't mean that they're taking it directly from the gamblers.

[DaNNy001]

Here in our country, the lottery business, when someone gets a jackpot price, automatically when the winning amount is taken from the office itself, 12% tax will be deducted immediately.
Today, in regulated gambling online casinos or physical casinos, there are probably taxes that are taken from the owners of this gambling.

But for gamblers in the casino, I don't know if there is a tax, but from what I can see, it doesn't seem to be there yet, so if they implement it, it will be a bit heavy on the part of the gamblers.

I am totally new to this kind of setting as I have never heard or even experience anything of this sort like and I have being gambling and also winning for quite some time now although I guess my country doesn't have such rules besides even the general tax payment is a problem in my country not to talk of taxing on gambling. Seeing say that taxes are deducted from people winning is completely strange and new to me although I don't know much about lottery tickets.

[laijsica]

Here in our country, the lottery business, when someone gets a jackpot price, automatically when the winning amount is taken from the office itself, 12% tax will be deducted immediately.
Today, in regulated gambling online casinos or physical casinos, there are probably taxes that are taken from the owners of this gambling.

But for gamblers in the casino, I don't know if there is a tax, but from what I can see, it doesn't seem to be there yet, so if they implement it, it will be a bit heavy on the part of the gamblers.

I am totally new to this kind of setting as I have never heard or even experience anything of this sort like and I have being gambling and also winning for quite some time now although I guess my country doesn't have such rules besides even the general tax payment is a problem in my country not to talk of taxing on gambling. Seeing say that taxes are deducted from people winning is completely strange and new to me although I don't know much about lottery tickets.

All tax matters are settled on betting boards and I have seen it every time. When someone wins a bet but the concerned agencies keep all their dues and taxes to the gambler, it is unreasonable and unfair to pay a separate tax imposed by the government here. Yes person to person bet in settled transaction can be given a government credit for income and expenses but it must be outside the ambit of tax.
I have made a lot of bets but I don't know any information about paying taxes to the government exchequer separately. Business or employment should have the obligation to pay income tax and if you are eligible, you should pay tax.

[EarnOnVictor]

I think when there is gambling that has been officially legalized in the country there must be a tax payment that applies, but in my opinion this is more on the casino itself which is responsible for paying its taxes, with players who visit I think they should not be closer to depression because I think the responsibility for gambling tax is the casino's obligation not the player. But I think if gambling in Nigeria was legalized, was there no option to impose taxes before? This cannot ensure that they will gamble more on the crypto platform, because generally we all have our own thoughts and interests, but maybe when they know the difference then there will be a choice that is made too. It is difficult to get certainty, he explained. In addition, the imposition of taxes is not a new thing, because I think it is impossible in one country that there are no taxes imposed on companies or others.

Yeah, the tax will be implement soon gambling officially legalized because the government will see that many people involved to gambling and will placing their bet every days. Some people will win much money so that can be a good amount of tax that the winner should pay. The casino should pay their taxes, same as the winner because the money can be transfer to their bank account and they bank will identify that money is come from the casino. But if they used crypto to playing gambling, maybe that will need more regulation so the country will still get the tax. Hopefully, the tax is not too high for the winner because that can reduce their win money

Tax is a compulsory levy from income earners and profits earned from business to the government of any country. Governments can have reasons to increase taxations so I believe that taxing or increasing taxation should be between gambling companies and the government, not necessarily mentioning the gamblers. The gambling industry makes money from gamblers and if a government increases their taxation then they'll also increase the percentage that they take from gamblers wins. Saying that a government is taxing gambling doesn't mean that they're taking it directly from the gamblers.

Your points are accurate. From what I know in Nigerian gambling law, the government taxes the gambling operator and not the gamblers themselves. Anything can change, only that I've not read a news buttressing the claim we are even discussing here. I've always known the Nigerian government to be gentle with the people engaging in risky activities like trading and gambling, it is so sudden to read that they will now start taxing the gamblers. Bookies are making huge money from their customers, it will be ill-advised if the government can think the way they can make more money is to increase the pains of the gamblers who are mostly losers.

For the government to gain more, it's just to increase the taxes of the operators, the government loses nothing. Nigerian government is even weak in technology, I wonder how they would be able to tax the gamblers fairly if they wanted to. To tax gamblers fairly, the government should tax their aggregate gains and not every gain without considering the losses the gamblers incur at times.

[Negotiation]

Here in our country, the lottery business, when someone gets a jackpot price, automatically when the winning amount is taken from the office itself, 12% tax will be deducted immediately.
Today, in regulated gambling online casinos or physical casinos, there are probably taxes that are taken from the owners of this gambling.

But for gamblers in the casino, I don't know if there is a tax, but from what I can see, it doesn't seem to be there yet, so if they implement it, it will be a bit heavy on the part of the gamblers.

I am totally new to this kind of setting as I have never heard or even experience anything of this sort like and I have being gambling and also winning for quite some time now although I guess my country doesn't have such rules besides even the general tax payment is a problem in my country not to talk of taxing on gambling. Seeing say that taxes are deducted from people winning is completely strange and new to me although I don't know much about lottery tickets.

All tax matters are settled on betting boards and I have seen it every time. When someone wins a bet but the concerned agencies keep all their dues and taxes to the gambler, it is unreasonable and unfair to pay a separate tax imposed by the government here. Yes person to person bet in settled transaction can be given a government credit for income and expenses but it must be outside the ambit of tax.
I have made a lot of bets but I don't know any information about paying taxes to the government exchequer separately. Business or employment should have the obligation to pay income tax and if you are eligible, you should pay tax.

Yes, in most places where gambling is illegal there are much more severe penalties than government regulations where taxes on betting are truly unknown. But as you earn throughout the year your employer takes money from your paycheck to pay income tax and other taxes. If you're an independent contractor or self-employed you likely make quarterly tax payments but these tax deductions and payments are only estimates. Also if you gamble occasionally for fun and not as your main source of income you will have to pay income tax on any employment.

[Roseline492]

As far as experienced goes, I do not think that gamblers are being tax when they won big, they got the full prize and get out of the casinos with that money, like it they gamble on a land base casinos. And most likely it will be the same for online gambling as well.

You are right because I have not seen were someone win a gambling and they ask him to pay a tax or deduct it from there wining, so actually I don't think that the taxation method works that way, however if Nigeria government wants to implement the tax on the gambling there is nothing bad about it but they should exclude gamblers because they are only patronising the gambling platform so if there should be someone that deserves to pay the tax it will be the company, secondly I'm still thinking about how they would cover up both online gambling platform and the offline because the number of gambling shops we have in this country is too much, so I think the government should only focus on the online gambling.

[Questat]

You are right because I have not seen were someone win a gambling and they ask him to pay a tax or deduct it from there wining,

In some countries it's not taxable but countries like USA, gambling winnings are taxable.

all your winnings, big or small, cash or noncash must be reported to the IRS.

It’s really better in countries where gambling winnings aren’t taxed, since it doesn’t make sense to tax something where most gamblers actually lose. Just because we win once doesn’t mean we’ll win the next time we gamble. So, that tax becomes a burden to regular gamblers who are trying to find an edge, but it ends up taking away from their potential gains.

[LogitechMouse]

Here in our country, the lottery business, when someone gets a jackpot price, automatically when the winning amount is taken from the office itself, 12% tax will be deducted immediately.
Today, in regulated gambling online casinos or physical casinos, there are probably taxes that are taken from the owners of this gambling.

But for gamblers in the casino, I don't know if there is a tax, but from what I can see, it doesn't seem to be there yet, so if they implement it, it will be a bit heavy on the part of the gamblers.

I wonder how will the gamblers be taxed if that's the case? Upon withdrawing, they might get that "TAX" that you're saying I guess.

I know we're in the same country and as far as I know, it's those regulated casinos out there that's been taxed. Whether it's a physical one, or an online one, they're the ones that are paying and not us gamblers. Will they tax gamblers in the future? I don't think so or else, that might cause a reduction of gamblers. Just imagine if you're a gambler, you're risking your money into something that has a lower chance of you winning and when you win, your money will be reduced just because you need to pay tax.

TBH, these "TAX" things is a lowkey way for the government to get some of your money. I mean we've seen another RA being implemented that add an additional tax on digital goods but this is out of the topic already. This will not happen... at least for now, and I don't think that it will ever happen as well.

[Spaceman1000$]

I was reading the news and saw that Nigerian government will soon introduce taxation to gambling. Taxation on gambling is not new in some countries so this will not be surprising to many people. But to Nigerians who are already experiencing difficulty in the economy do you think it is good for the government to still be planning imposing tax on gambling? there are gamblers who still gamble for fun in the country, will imposing a tax on it not push this people closer to depression as some may find it difficult to gamble comfortably. I also find it strange that the World Bank is supporting this with a financial support package of value close to $2.25million.
Since the taxation may not affect the crypto gambling community in Nigeria, this will encourage more gamblers to gamble now on crypto platforms right?

https://www.thecable.ng/world-bank-offers-support-as-fg-plans-to-introduce-telecoms-gambling-taxes/

I've read through the link and I didn't read the method to which they want to conduct this taxation on gambling. Because part of what I was curious to know is that, will they be taxing the individual on each bet they've played or they will be taxing the gambling company which I know that most of the companies already are paying tax to the Nigerian government. Now if they said they want to tax individuals who gamble, the question will be at what point will they be taken their tax is it at the point of staking or after you've won your stake then they take a certain percentage from it, so I don't really get it, so they need to come clear on that.

[Maslate]

Here in our country, the lottery business, when someone gets a jackpot price, automatically when the winning amount is taken from the office itself, 12% tax will be deducted immediately.

If you mean lottery winnings in the Philippines it used to be tax-free, but when the TRAIN law was implemented, things changed as it's already 20% tax.

But this is fine since it's a lottery winning, meaning it's a huge jackpot that could change your life forever. 

In the Old Tax law (NIRC), lotto winnings and all PCSO prizes are tax exempt. If you are fond of watching lotto draws everynight, you will always notice that the host will always say that lotto winnings are tax free.

Moreover, in the Old NIRC, prizes are subject to final tax of 20% except if the amount of the prize is Php 10,000 or less which shall be subjected to normal tax. Winnings on the other hand are subject to 20% final tax regardless of amount.

In the new TRAIN Law, winnings (except PCSO and Lotto winnings amounting to Php 10, 000 or less) are subject to a final tax of 20%.

[blockman]

If you mean lottery winnings in the Philippines it used to be tax-free, but when the TRAIN law was implemented, things changed as it's already 20% tax.

But this is fine since it's a lottery winning, meaning it's a huge jackpot that could change your life forever. 

In the Old Tax law (NIRC), lotto winnings and all PCSO prizes are tax exempt. If you are fond of watching lotto draws everynight, you will always notice that the host will always say that lotto winnings are tax free.

Moreover, in the Old NIRC, prizes are subject to final tax of 20% except if the amount of the prize is Php 10,000 or less which shall be subjected to normal tax. Winnings on the other hand are subject to 20% final tax regardless of amount.

In the new TRAIN Law, winnings (except PCSO and Lotto winnings amounting to Php 10, 000 or less) are subject to a final tax of 20%.

Yeah, it's a huge jackpot and life changing win. And also, another condition is that whoever made that raffle says that it is tax-free then it is going to be tax free. It's either exempted from the taxes or they're the ones that are going to be obliged paying the taxes. So, on top of the jackpot money, if they'll be paying it then that's a lot of money on them to pay for.

[SatoPrincess]

I have been reading comments on this thread and it’s obvious to me that everyone who has the opinion that this tax is necessary because it will help build the economy clearly does not know how the Nigerian government works. There is nothing that the government will do that will benefit the people. If this tax law is passed, which I suspect it will because the current administration is known for its successful tax reform policies, this tax law will completely ruin the gambling business in Nigeria. It won’t be long before casinos take taking their business elsewhere.

[rachael9385]

I was reading the news and saw that Nigerian government will soon introduce taxation to gambling. Taxation on gambling is not new in some countries so this will not be surprising to many people. But to Nigerians who are already experiencing difficulty in the economy do you think it is good for the government to still be planning imposing tax on gambling?

It is how a corrupted government want to do, and to make lives of their citizens harder, not easier and better.

Most of gamblers lose money in gambling and basically tax is for income tax and capital gain tax. If a gambler lost money in gambling and gets poorer, how will Nigeria government tax him?

I don't read details about this taxation program but basically it's not logic and unreasonable to tax on a loser. If Nigeria government don't take capital gain/ loss into account for taxation, they are seriously wrong.

Yeah you are right, it's only those that are making profits on their business that supposed to be taxed and not gamblers. If the government starts collecting tax from gamblers I am sure that many gamblers that are not yet gaining from gamble will stop playing bets.
However, even if a gambler is winning from gamble, I see no reason for them to pay tax to the government (it doesn't make any sense), now let's say that the gamblers have been losing in the past (6) six months and the total amount the gambler have lost is $5,000, then one faithful day the gambler won $4,900. Will the gambler still pay tax when he's still at lose of $10? If anyone is supposed to pay tax, it is the casino managements that are supposed to pay tax because it is their business.

[freedomgo]

If you mean lottery winnings in the Philippines it used to be tax-free, but when the TRAIN law was implemented, things changed as it's already 20% tax.

But this is fine since it's a lottery winning, meaning it's a huge jackpot that could change your life forever. 

In the Old Tax law (NIRC), lotto winnings and all PCSO prizes are tax exempt. If you are fond of watching lotto draws everynight, you will always notice that the host will always say that lotto winnings are tax free.

Moreover, in the Old NIRC, prizes are subject to final tax of 20% except if the amount of the prize is Php 10,000 or less which shall be subjected to normal tax. Winnings on the other hand are subject to 20% final tax regardless of amount.

In the new TRAIN Law, winnings (except PCSO and Lotto winnings amounting to Php 10, 000 or less) are subject to a final tax of 20%.

Yeah, it's a huge jackpot and life changing win. And also, another condition is that whoever made that raffle says that it is tax-free then it is going to be tax free. It's either exempted from the taxes or they're the ones that are going to be obliged paying the taxes. So, on top of the jackpot money, if they'll be paying it then that's a lot of money on them to pay for.

I believe it’s a withholding tax, where the government makes sure they get their cut, so your net winnings are what’s left after the tax deduction. It used to be tax-free, but now it seems the government is eager to grab a bigger share of people's money. Personally, I wouldn’t mind being taxed on a lottery win rather than not winning at all --after all, the odds of winning the lottery are nearly impossible, almost like throwing money down the drain.

[Huppercase]

You are right because I have not seen were someone win a gambling and they ask him to pay a tax or deduct it from there wining, so actually I don't think that the taxation method works that way, however if Nigeria government wants to implement the tax on the gambling there is nothing bad about it but they should exclude gamblers because they are only patronising the gambling platform so if there should be someone that deserves to pay the tax it will be the company, secondly I'm still thinking about how they would cover up both online gambling platform and the offline because the number of gambling shops we have in this country is too much, so I think the government should only focus on the online gambling.

Were you not inform about how the government was trying to remove security levy from each transaction aside from the vat tax that is already been deducted. They seriously wanted to implement it but when they observed that people were screaming and wanted to protest, they dropped it immediately because similar thing happen in Kenya when the presidency pass a bill to increased tax but people violently protested and didn't agree with him, it's the same thing that happen to the gambling tax.

The government sometimes announce this things first to know if the people are going to react and since there is hardship everywhere and the feedbac they got weren't palatable, they had to stop it for now but I'm very sure the government will bring this again in the future just to make money from the people, very inconsiderate government that want to kill their own people.

[Hispo]

..., very inconsiderate government that want to kill their own people.

It depends on what the government is actually willing to do with that mo ey collected through gambling taxes, though. In countries like the United States, in which there is a heavy tax on the people who profit off gambling, the money is actually used to improve the quality of life of the people and does not go directly into the pockets of politicians. On the other hand, in developing countries like Nigeria, the leaders of the ruling party could be pretty much aware of the millions of dollars which are moved daily within the industry and they could want to keep a piece of the pie and not let it all for both lucky gambling winners and casinos.
I also live in a very corrupted country, and if the governments started to enforce some taxation on gambling, people would be very mad because of it and I would even  see a decrease of the gambling volumen from local gamblers, as they would feel very unsatisfied by giving money to the government. I underground gambling and betting would blossom.