Zambian Gaming Association (ZGA) has voiced displeasure about rampant tax evasion among Slot Machine Operators nationwide.
Noah Malungila, ZGA’s chairman, expressed concern that the tax revenue generated does not tally with the number of Slot Machines operating across the country.
This inconsistency has caused a vast reduction in anticipated revenue for the government.
The association’s chairman made it known that tax evasion is an act perpetrated by unlicensed and, thereby, unauthorised personalities who have infiltrated the industry.
Malungila promised to collaborate with the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) and other local authorities to tackle the issue—ensuring compliance of every individual in the industry to fulfil their tax obligation to the ZRA.
He also revealed that Zambia occupies about 37 Slot companies that house over 10,000 Slot Machines. Yet the tax collection effort from these business firms has proved abortive.
Therefore, the chairman promised that the ZGA is moving strategically to identify and expose the culprits who have not obtained the necessary licenses from the Ministry of Finance—using such manipulative acts to avoid their tax obligations.
This action will urge the operators to obtain the necessary licenses and commit to their legal duties.
ZGA has also laid out plans for a more efficient tax revenue collection by the ZRA. The proposed plan includes cutting taxes by half. Taxes for the Slot business will be reduced from K500 to K250.