A few days ago, the general management of the National Lottery of Benin (LNB) issued a decision announcing the application of the provisions of the finance law in force since 2017. The new article 194 of the general tax code establishes a special release contribution on the winnings paid to the winners of games of chance by the release withholding tax of 15%. And so, the LNB has decided to apply this provision by systematically deducting 15% from any winnings won in the lottery from this Monday, July 26, 2020.

Faced with the controversy aroused by this decision, the director general of the LNB, Gaston Zossou tried to explain the merits of the levy of this tax on Canal3 Benin this Wednesday, July 22, 2020. For him, it is late application of a law. He informs that it took time, adjustment. And “we have simply arrived at the phase of generalization”. The former Minister of Communication of the late Mathieu Kérékou, Gaston Zossou specified that this levy will allow the government to build health and road infrastructure and ensure the safety of Beninese.

Make an effort

It invites all bettors and other lovers of LNB games to make an effort. He recognizes that the deduction of 15% of the bettors' winnings will not be enough. "It will take everyone's effort, we will pay them all, us players, we bettors", noted Gaston Zossou. For the director general of the national lottery of Benin, the payment of this tax reinforces the feeling of real belonging to the community. According to him, "it's a technical job, organizing our information system so that the gain which is validated, which is released, automatically on the same ticket is taxed in all transparency”.