Gambling operators urged to stay vigilant after Gambia Revenue Authority warns of tax official impersonation scams
Businesses including betting and gaming operators advised to verify tax officials through a new staff ID portal as impersonation scams targeting taxpayers emerge.
The Gambia.- The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has warned businesses operating in The Gambia, including betting and gambling operators, to remain alert to impersonation scams after individuals were reported to be posing as tax officials and attempting to collect illegal payments.
In a public notice, the authority said scammers had been impersonating GRA officers in an attempt to obtain money from taxpayers. The authority said: “The Gambia Revenue Authority warns the public that scammers are impersonating GRA officers and collecting money illegally.”
To address the issue, the GRA has launched an Online Staff Identification Verification Portal, allowing businesses and taxpayers to confirm the identity of officials before making any payments.
Under the system, individuals are encouraged to request a GRA staff identification number from anyone claiming to represent the authority and verify it through the official online portal. The authority added: “The public should always ask for a GRA Staff ID number and verify it online before making any payment.”
The notice applies broadly to taxpayers and businesses interacting with the authority, including companies operating in regulated sectors such as betting and gaming. The warning is relevant for betting and gaming operators, which regularly interact with the tax authority for regulatory and tax compliance payments.
Gambling taxation has also become an increasing focus for policymakers in The Gambia. In the 2026 national budget, the government raised the tax on gambling winnings from 40 per cent to 50 per cent, applying to payouts from sports betting, casinos, lotteries and other gaming activities. The measure, announced by Finance Minister Seedy Keita, took effect on January 1 2026.
The notice added: “Do NOT make any payment without verification. Stay alert. Verify before you pay.”
