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Sinokubonga Nkala [email protected]
The Zimbabwe Punters Association (ZPA) has strongly opposed the proposed 10 percent tax on sports betting winnings, arguing that the measure would disproportionately affect low-income punters.
Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube proposed a 10 percent tax on gross winning sports betting when he presented the 2025 National Budget in Parliament in November.
The minister highlighted the popularity of betting, and reflected in the proliferation of sports betting houses across the country, and announced that the withholding tax will take effect from 1 January 2025.
The ZPA, a platform for dialogue between punters, the betting industry, and regulatory authorities, has submitted its objections to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Finance, Budget, and Investment Protection.
In a statement, ZPA described the proposed tax as “harsh” and counterproductive, particularly for the majority of betters who rely on winnings as a supplementary income.
“The universal sentiment amongst our members is that the proposed tax is a bit harsh to the majority of the poor punters. In the circumstances, it is the association’s position that the proposed tax should be entirely scrapped,” read the statement.
ZPA is preparing a comprehensive document detailing its members’ concerns and the potential negative impacts of the tax.
Sports betting has become increasingly popular in Zimbabwe, particularly among unemployed youths and informal sector workers seeking additional income.