Nigerian Government plans to begin taxing gambling.

[michellee]

Gambling is already legal in Nigeria, which is why there are so many operators and people actively gambling. The issue is that it's not properly regulated, and the government hasn't been effective in monitoring it to prevent gambling from negatively impacting people's lives. Sure, they’re making money from taxes, but if gambling operations lead to financial struggles for the public, then it’s not worth allowing widespread gambling ---especially if it's run by a responsible government.

So that needs awareness from the government to monitoring gambling and the effect of playing gambling for their people. They can not make the bill and leave it like that without evaluating all things after that is apply.

The government should know that playing gambling excessively can makes their people bankrupt and the worst thing that their people will get are addicted to gambling. That will be a big problem if most people become gambling addiction so the government should think to build a rehabilitation for gambling addiction besides of drug addiction and other addiction.

It is a work for all element in that country to support the bill and give awareness about playing gambling excessively so people can stay away from that. Moreover, people should not use gambling as a means of source of income.

[Marykeller]

Judging from the feedback from Nigerians who are with us on the forum, life in Nigeria can hardly be called happy. People, out of desperation and unemployment, are forced to play in casinos to somehow earn money for their families, but their corrupt government seems to want to completely strangle the people, inventing more and more harsh taxes. I read that there is no cash in the country; just as it cannot be withdrawn from banks, now people also have to pay taxes on gambling sites. It is not surprising that many risk their lives and immigrate to other countries, hoping to give themselves and their families a better way of life.

Am a Nigerian. Since the present government takes over the mantle of power, it has been from one tax to another, to destabilize the citizen's hustles by creating unnecessary hardship towards any means of survival they choose.

However, the taxes and hardship hovering in Nigeria didn't start today and I don't think it's ending today anyway. But this present government the hardship and taxes it has created, it's very disheartening. This is the worst of it all that we have seen so far: everything in the country has tripled in price, making many Nigeria lavish in poverty that many families can't live up to three square meals a day or find a good paying job to match up with the cost of living. This results in many youths thinking of ways to migrate to other countries in search of greener pastures, rather than wasting their time, energy, and resources in a country where its government is implementing rules that would affect the lives of its citizens to circle on hustling what they and their family would only eat for the day not to build anything meaningful or enjoy life. To enjoy life in the country, your guardians should be politicians or your family members are overseas sending your money.

That's what the country called Nigeria is like currently. But I do trust Nigerians to be survivors in any given hardship they face. They are going to come out strong of it, by doubling their hustle. It will be somehow difficult, but victory is sure. We survived in the last government, we are going to survive in this present one.

[dimonstration]

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?

Taxes is a way for the government to sustain the growth of their economy and keep it running, all government must do taxes because they need it, now if your government is not corrupt then all these taxes will go for the services of the people and improving their lives, and the gambling industry since its generating huge revenues are always looked into for taxes.
It depends on the gambler if he wants to gamble in a traditional way or go online to gamble on cryptocurrency-based casinos, its his preference where he is comfortable the most.

Sadly, Most of the government including the first world country has corrupt government officials. Corruption is worst on 3rd world country since even the government body that facilitate the investigation for corruption is accepting payment. So I doubt tax from gambling will be well spent on this case.

On the hand, the main point of OP here is the Nigerian gambler will now use crypto to gamble since it’s still not taxable. I doubt this will work long term since government will target crypto casino later if they knew that it was being use as an alternative for gambling just to avoid taxes.

[Fivestar4everMVP]

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 am a Nigerian, and let me say that this is the very first time I am coming across this news, it's not surprising to me any ways, and this is not because I was expecting the government to come up with such thing as taxing gamblers, but it's because with the present government ruling Nigeria, it's never a surprise for me for what ever policies they decide to come up with.

I personally see no problem here, like you said, if the taxing becomes an issue to anyone, he or she can simply switch to gambling on crypto supported casino with cryptocurrencies.
And for those who are gambling for fun, gambling is not a must, if someone who gambles for fun begins to find it hard to continue to gamble due to tax, he or she can either stop gambling, or look for another way to gamble tax-free, it's that simple.

[blockman]

Yeah, I'll take the prize money as well and wouldn't mind have it taxed at all. Even in the US, there are taxes that they need to deduct as per winning prize money.
That's why they're used to say about 'after-taxes' prize money and that's because taxation bureau there is very strict and if there are violators, they'll be fine with bigger amounts.

The important thing is that in the US, such taxes are being used to make useful contributions to society. The taxes can be called very high, but then the people will receive other better services in return, while in countries like Nigeria, and even in many other countries, this tax money is not intended to fill the treasury to serve the people, it fills the pockets of some corrupt classes. Besides, the governments of these countries are relatively strict and do not create much space for casino owners, it feels like they do not prioritize the gambling industry as a service that should develop when the national financial system does not depend on this industry.

It's the same in our country, such taxes aren't really put into good use but into the pockets of the crocs. It's sad that the developing countries have inept officials that instead of helping people, they're putting themselves first and forgetting to help why they're being elected and put into their positions.

[mirakal]

If the crypto casino is regulated, they can also still be affected since the majority of the popular casinos are fully regulated.

There is a possibility that they can be asked by their license providers to provide the deposit, winnings, and withdrawal details of their citizens who gamble there, which they can still tax from there. Unless the casino is not regulated, only then can we be rest assured that it's completely free from taxation.

Well in part everything that is about Regulations with respect to crypto and casinos is not having privacy or animation ever again, people at this point should see that it is increasingly difficult for them to do an Activity without a government Monitoring it , it calls my attention that in Nigeria they do this type of things, of course it is something that should not be, at least I do not agree with that, but you have to accept that since the KYC became Mandatory for everyone in the world , this was already coming, I have Always wanted to go to Nigeria , and if I go I will not hesitate to be in a casino , you Always have to know anything that is necessary.

Taxing your winnings might be quite unfair on your part, that's probably the reason why most gamblers do not agree with it. But just think of it, instead of seeing all those money going into the casino owner itself, it's better if some of the proceeds will also be benefited by the government, by the people's welfare so that it will also create something useful and helpful that will be benefited by the country. This is also one way to lessen money laundering wherein gambling is proven to contribute a big part of it.

[Dr.Bitcoin_Strange]

-snip-
this tax money is not intended to fill the treasury to serve the people, it fills the pockets of some corrupt classes. Besides, the governments of these countries are relatively strict and do not create much space for casino owners, it feels like they do not prioritize the gambling industry as a service that should develop when the national financial system does not depend on this industry.

In my country casinos do not have any space and there are no illegal casinos, but behind all that there are many illegal casinos that operate but they escape scrutiny, even camouflage as games that look like ordinary games.

Some local casino sites also continue to appear with regular domain changes to avoid detection, but even so the bookmaker who has a lot of money will make it all safe because the government security personnel have guaranteed it, This is like a disaster that exists in a country.

If you check very well, you will notice that some of those casinos that are even operating like that have back ups. They could have connections or internal relationship with some upper hands in the government and if they should face any problem, those government personnel they have can defend them.

[stadus]

If you check very well, you will notice that some of those casinos that are even operating like that have back ups. They could have connections or internal relationship with some upper hands in the government and if they should face any problem, those government personnel they have can defend them.

Tax money is different from protection money. What you’re describing is more like protection money. Even if the government is corrupt, tax money still technically goes into government funds before it is misused. However, protection money is given directly, without any receipts, and is handed to corrupt officials so they’ll overlook deficiencies and violations, allowing the casino to operate without proper compliance.

[stomachgrowls]

-snip-
this tax money is not intended to fill the treasury to serve the people, it fills the pockets of some corrupt classes. Besides, the governments of these countries are relatively strict and do not create much space for casino owners, it feels like they do not prioritize the gambling industry as a service that should develop when the national financial system does not depend on this industry.

In my country casinos do not have any space and there are no illegal casinos, but behind all that there are many illegal casinos that operate but they escape scrutiny, even camouflage as games that look like ordinary games.

Some local casino sites also continue to appear with regular domain changes to avoid detection, but even so the bookmaker who has a lot of money will make it all safe because the government security personnel have guaranteed it, This is like a disaster that exists in a country.

If you check very well, you will notice that some of those casinos that are even operating like that have back ups. They could have connections or internal relationship with some upper hands in the government and if they should face any problem, those government personnel they have can defend them.

Very common on a corrupted country on which there would really be these kind of hidden transactions on which it would really be pertaining on having that kind of protection into those people who are sitting on the top of the chain. This is where there are really businesses or things that cant be shut down just because there's someone who do really project it out. As for taxing matters then its something that government will really be that not easily slip it out. We do know that they do know that making or extracting out huge taxes on gambling based businesses are really that significant, so it will really be normal that they would really be coming after that. As long they could be able to do so then they would really be definitely be doing it. There's nothing we can do if our government would really be trying out to tax almost everything. Its not really that bad on having those kind of taxation as long those taxes would really be put up in good use and wont really be that corrupted because usually this is the case that do happen.

[Sandra_hakeem]

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?

You don't just generalize things like that... Is everyone in the country into gambling? If no, then how does this correlate with the economy of the country? Gambling has zero effect on the surge in prices of commodity in the country and I think you should outline that to everyone's understanding.
Secondly, nobody is compelled to gamble - whatever happens at the long run of nurturing a habit that you started off with is something that YOU alone should be held accountable for, not the country. They government have figured out another way to squeeze money outta your pockets so that's left for you to figure out what next to do.

Since the taxation may not affect the crypto gambling community in Nigeria, this will encourage more gamblers to gamble now on crypto platforms right?

No! Alot of people will rather be held responsible for what they know, rather than what they don't. Do you someone that wagers on a normal casino platform can just switch to web 3 ? It depends on their priorities though.

[AmoreJaz]

If you check very well, you will notice that some of those casinos that are even operating like that have back ups. They could have connections or internal relationship with some upper hands in the government and if they should face any problem, those government personnel they have can defend them.

Tax money is different from protection money. What you’re describing is more like protection money. Even if the government is corrupt, tax money still technically goes into government funds before it is misused. However, protection money is given directly, without any receipts, and is handed to corrupt officials so they’ll overlook deficiencies and violations, allowing the casino to operate without proper compliance.

Indeed! Tax money is very different from protection money. However, taxation protocol is needed if they want the business to be legit. The people can also enjoy such tax money as the government can use this collected funds to carry out government projects. Just look at the side that the government can use the money generated from tax. And that includes the gambling business.

Yeah, I'll take the prize money as well and wouldn't mind have it taxed at all. Even in the US, there are taxes that they need to deduct as per winning prize money.
That's why they're used to say about 'after-taxes' prize money and that's because taxation bureau there is very strict and if there are violators, they'll be fine with bigger amounts.

The important thing is that in the US, such taxes are being used to make useful contributions to society. The taxes can be called very high, but then the people will receive other better services in return, while in countries like Nigeria, and even in many other countries, this tax money is not intended to fill the treasury to serve the people, it fills the pockets of some corrupt classes. Besides, the governments of these countries are relatively strict and do not create much space for casino owners, it feels like they do not prioritize the gambling industry as a service that should develop when the national financial system does not depend on this industry.

It's the same in our country, such taxes aren't really put into good use but into the pockets of the crocs. It's sad that the developing countries have inept officials that instead of helping people, they're putting themselves first and forgetting to help why they're being elected and put into their positions.

Unfortunately, that's the reality for most countries. Corruption is still rampant everywhere. Lucky if you are residing in a country where corruption is minimal. Because with tax alone, government can already improve the lives of their constituents. However, with corruption involved, a lot of funds are going to the pockets of these irresponsible politicians.

[Zadicar]

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?

Taxes is a way for the government to sustain the growth of their economy and keep it running, all government must do taxes because they need it, now if your government is not corrupt then all these taxes will go for the services of the people and improving their lives, and the gambling industry since its generating huge revenues are always looked into for taxes.
It depends on the gambler if he wants to gamble in a traditional way or go online to gamble on cryptocurrency-based casinos, its his preference where he is comfortable the most.

Sadly, Most of the government including the first world country has corrupt government officials. Corruption is worst on 3rd world country since even the government body that facilitate the investigation for corruption is accepting payment. So I doubt tax from gambling will be well spent on this case.

On the hand, the main point of OP here is the Nigerian gambler will now use crypto to gamble since it’s still not taxable. I doubt this will work long term since government will target crypto casino later if they knew that it was being use as an alternative for gambling just to avoid taxes.

When it comes to corruption then this is something which cant really be totally make out some exemption in tier 1 countries on which we know that when it comes into this aspect the corruption
would really be still something that could be present into these countries. This is why we cant really be able to remove out those possibilities about taxation and other stuffs correlated to it.
As for taxation in gambling then it will really be just that normal considering this industry is really that generating that huge amount of revenue. So its normal that they would be taxing out.
It will really be just matter whether those taxes would really be used or put up on the right way.

[Antotena]

Unfortunately, that's the reality for most countries. Corruption is still rampant everywhere. Lucky if you are residing in a country where corruption is minimal. Because with tax alone, government can already improve the lives of their constituents. However, with corruption involved, a lot of funds are going to the pockets of these irresponsible politicians.

Anytime I sat down and look at how this government has been performing in the last year they have been in the office, I weap and just don't stop thinking. Apparently, this policy came as a result of reformation of policies and how the Nigerian governments wanted to increase the rate of taxation in the country, they also pass some circular about taxing content creators, the same people they couldn't provide jobs and are hustling to put food on the table, this government is a joke.

There is large inflow of money that goes into gambling as announce by the gambling regulation authority and that figure got into their head and they are now trying to use that as a way to make money into the treasury but the corruption has not reduce even small, it's scary how the government are making things so difficult for everyone and yet no releaf for people, to the extent they want to tax people on gambling, this is international disgrace to the Nigerian government.

[KTChampions]

Taxing your winnings might be quite unfair on your part, that's probably the reason why most gamblers do not agree with it. But just think of it, instead of seeing all those money going into the casino owner itself, it's better if some of the proceeds will also be benefited by the government, by the people's welfare so that it will also create something useful and helpful that will be benefited by the country. This is also one way to lessen money laundering wherein gambling is proven to contribute a big part of it.

If the casino pays tax and the lucky player pays tax then it looks like a scam, don't you think? The casino is always in the black, so it is logical that it pays taxes, but where is the logic in the player paying taxes? Roughly speaking, from the casino's side, both losses (players' winnings) and profits (players' losses) are added up, and from the players' side, only winnings are taken into account.

[CryptoBuds]

Taxing your winnings might be quite unfair on your part, that's probably the reason why most gamblers do not agree with it. But just think of it, instead of seeing all those money going into the casino owner itself, it's better if some of the proceeds will also be benefited by the government, by the people's welfare so that it will also create something useful and helpful that will be benefited by the country. This is also one way to lessen money laundering wherein gambling is proven to contribute a big part of it.

If the casino pays tax and the lucky player pays tax then it looks like a scam, don't you think? The casino is always in the black, so it is logical that it pays taxes, but where is the logic in the player paying taxes? Roughly speaking, from the casino's side, both losses (players' winnings) and profits (players' losses) are added up, and from the players' side, only winnings are taken into account.

The most obvious difference between a casino and a gambler is that a casino is a business. They are protected by the government and their business is completely dependent on the government, so paying taxes is their mandatory duty and responsibility. Meanwhile, regular gamblers like us are just people spending money and looking for a place to relax after a tiring day at work. So it would be unfair if we had to pay taxes every time we won a bet because we already pay taxes at our main job, there is no reason why we should also pay taxes when we have fun. It sounds absurd even if the money is used by the government for good purposes.

[Jawhead999]

The most obvious difference between a casino and a gambler is that a casino is a business. They are protected by the government and their business is completely dependent on the government, so paying taxes is their mandatory duty and responsibility. Meanwhile, regular gamblers like us are just people spending money and looking for a place to relax after a tiring day at work. So it would be unfair if we had to pay taxes every time we won a bet because we already pay taxes at our main job, there is no reason why we should also pay taxes when we have fun. It sounds absurd even if the money is used by the government for good purposes.

No, you don't have to pay tax for every time you won a bet, but if your end balance is higher than your initial bankroll, you will pay income tax for the gains. If the gamblers pay tax for every time they won a bet, they would be broke and the government would be rich because won a bet doesn't mean you're in profit.

That's what the system, same with employees who work in a company, both companies and employees are obliged to pay tax.

[Tungbulu]

If the crypto casino is regulated, they can also still be affected since the majority of the popular casinos are fully regulated.

There is a possibility that they can be asked by their license providers to provide the deposit, winnings, and withdrawal details of their citizens who gamble there, which they can still tax from there. Unless the casino is not regulated, only then can we be rest assured that it's completely free from taxation.

Well in part everything that is about Regulations with respect to crypto and casinos is not having privacy or animation ever again, people at this point should see that it is increasingly difficult for them to do an Activity without a government Monitoring it , it calls my attention that in Nigeria they do this type of things, of course it is something that should not be, at least I do not agree with that, but you have to accept that since the KYC became Mandatory for everyone in the world , this was already coming, I have Always wanted to go to Nigeria , and if I go I will not hesitate to be in a casino , you Always have to know anything that is necessary.

Taxing your winnings might be quite unfair on your part, that's probably the reason why most gamblers do not agree with it. But just think of it, instead of seeing all those money going into the casino owner itself, it's better if some of the proceeds will also be benefited by the government, by the people's welfare so that it will also create something useful and helpful that will be benefited by the country. This is also one way to lessen money laundering wherein gambling is proven to contribute a big part of it.

You've got a point but some certain things must also be put into adequate consideration. Such as, are these revenues really going to infrastructural development or projects that'll be beneficial to the people. If the answer is yes, then I absolutely have no problems with it, but every Nigerians knows that the government has already failed the citizens, and every revenue that's taken from the people and other establishments goes directly into the pocket of a few politicians and then the people are left with nothing but leftovers. So even if the government begins to tax gambling today, the only people that'll actually benefit from it would be themselves and not really the citizens.

[Nwada001]

You've got a point but some certain things must also be put into adequate consideration. Such as, are these revenues really going to infrastructural development or projects that'll be beneficial to the people. If the answer is yes, then I absolutely have no problems with it, but every Nigerians knows that the government has already failed the citizens, and every revenue that's taken from the people and other establishments goes directly into the pocket of a few politicians and then the people are left with nothing but leftovers. So even if the government begins to tax gambling today, the only people that'll actually benefit from it would be themselves and not really the citizens.

The reason why most Nigerians hate to pay tax is because they have perceived the system to be so corrupt up to the extent that they don't want to contribute their penny to fattening the pockets of those few politicians, but even as that, it's better that the country have enough revenue to keep the economy running, let it be that those in power are the ones looting it, than for everyone to hate the tax system and don't pay at all and allow the system to collapse. Any industry that generates money should always be levied to pay their tax.

[passwordnow]

The reason why most Nigerians hate to pay tax is because they have perceived the system to be so corrupt up to the extent that they don't want to contribute their penny to fattening the pockets of those few politicians, but even as that, it's better that the country have enough revenue to keep the economy running, let it be that those in power are the ones looting it, than for everyone to hate the tax system and don't pay at all and allow the system to collapse.

I think it's not just you guys but for most people in every country. We have the right to criticize the governance of our government and if we don't see some good developments from our taxes into our country or areas, we'd really hate to pay taxes. While the working class won't care at all but it doesn't mean that they don't care really at all, they just have no choice but to pay what's adhered for them to pay because if they refuse to do so, it will reflect to their tax records and could make things complicated.

Any industry that generates money should always be levied to pay their tax.

Everything that earns money, individuals, companies, businesses, etc. But for some laws, there can be an exemption depending on the priority of the government and to those that are part of the exception.

[blockman]

It's the same in our country, such taxes aren't really put into good use but into the pockets of the crocs. It's sad that the developing countries have inept officials that instead of helping people, they're putting themselves first and forgetting to help why they're being elected and put into their positions.

Unfortunately, that's the reality for most countries. Corruption is still rampant everywhere. Lucky if you are residing in a country where corruption is minimal. Because with tax alone, government can already improve the lives of their constituents. However, with corruption involved, a lot of funds are going to the pockets of these irresponsible politicians.

I think even in the first world countries, there are complains like this that they're not getting what they deserve. It means that it's a global problem and all we have to do is to focus on ourselves and do whatever we can do to make ourselves better. Because whether there is or there is no government, it is us that shall make our lives predict and do what must be done in order for us to live accordingly to what we want to.