A Kaduna Internal Revenue Service operation to wipe out unlicensed betting and gambling offices is making headway. So far, 13 bases have been discontinued.
The Kaduna Internal Revenue Service has closed the doors of 13 gambling and betting operations as it takes a firm stand against unrecognised service providers. KADIRS Head of Gaming Liye Anthony broke the news in a recent talk he held with reporters.
Anthony revealed that, although the operation only began on Thursday the 10th of September, 13 offices have already been targeted. This list is made up of five branches each of Bet9ja and King Bet, two of AccessBET, and one of Derby Lotto.
Amended 2020 Legislature
This year’s revised Kaduna State Tax Codification and Consolidation Law decrees that gaming organisations must be registered and have obtained a licensed before they can operate.
Section 86 orders that all companies that wish to offer gambling and betting services need to apply in writing for an operating license. This is along with paying a non-refundable ₦400 000 registration fee. Thereafter, Section 91 imposes a tax of 10% on each stake and every winning amount. This is to be immediately subtracted and sent monthly to KADIRS by each licensed gaming firm in the state.
No Mercy for Illegal Operators
Anthony stated that there are an estimated 1 500 gaming venues across the state that are currently operating without the proper permission. He added that the clampdown will continue until all of them have been brought to book, explaining that all operations need to be regularised and licensed for offering these kinds of services.
KADIRS Executive Chairman Zaid Abubakar, in turn, reported that, above and beyond operating unlawfully, these rogue businesses owe tax to the tune of ₦500 million. He went on to detail the debt owed by K.C. Gaming Networks, Bet9ja owner, BetKing, and AccessBET as ₦325 million, ₦68 million, and ₦33 million respectively.
Abubakar also revealed that these organisations are earning roughly ₦2 billion every month from the state but that not a single kobo is being seen back in the form of tax. He stated that all operators are legally bound to integrate their activity into the KADIRS Service Software.
