{"id":18942,"date":"2026-02-27T06:26:49","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T09:26:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/focusgn.com\/africa\/?p=18942"},"modified":"2026-04-19T08:26:05","modified_gmt":"2026-04-19T11:26:05","slug":"zambia-voluntary-disclosure-programme-empowers-gambling-operators-to-settle-past-taxes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/focusgn.com\/africa\/zambia-voluntary-disclosure-programme-empowers-gambling-operators-to-settle-past-taxes","title":{"rendered":"Voluntary Disclosure Programme empowers Zambian gambling operators to settle past taxes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Casinos and online betting firms are urged to reconcile historic tax liabilities and take advantage of penalty and interest relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Zambia.- Zambia\u2019s Revenue Authority (ZRA)<\/strong> is calling on gambling operators – along with other businesses and individual taxpayers – to take part in its Voluntary Disclosure Programme<\/strong> (VDP), which empowers them to rectify past tax mistakes<\/strong> without incurring punitive fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The programme allows companies and individuals to voluntarily disclose previously unreported <\/strong>or underpaid <\/strong>taxes, including those linked to gaming and betting <\/strong>activities, while securing relief from penalties<\/strong> and interest that would otherwise be applied during audits or enforcement<\/strong> actions. The ZRA said, in a statement: \u201cTake advantage of the Voluntary Disclosure Programme and apply now to clean your tax record<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The initiative is particularly relevant for gambling operators, where rapid growth<\/strong> and complex revenue streams can make compliance<\/strong> challenging. Casinos and online sports-betting firms, alongside other sectors, now have the opportunity to reconcile historic liabilities<\/strong> proactively, avoiding the financial burden<\/strong> of penalties and interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the programme waives penalties and interest, it does not remove the underlying tax liability – all disclosed amounts <\/strong>must still be paid. For businesses and individuals alike, the VDP provides a chance to reset compliance and strengthen credibility <\/strong>with the ZRA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tax authorities are increasingly focused on sectors with high cash turnover and digital revenue streams<\/strong>, such as sports betting and online gaming. Programmes like the Voluntary Disclosure Programme are designed to surface latent tax liabilities before audits<\/strong> or enforcement kick in, encouraging proactive <\/strong>compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Adding to the compliance considerations, Zambia recently implemented a 10 per cent excise duty <\/strong>on betting stakes, applied directly to every wager. Gambling operators <\/strong>are required to withhold and remit this levy monthly, increasing the importance of accurate reporting and record-keeping<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The dual push<\/strong>, reconciling past liabilities through voluntary disclosure while adapting to new taxation on current stakes, is shaping a compliance-focused <\/strong>environment across the economy. Proactive engagement with the ZRA, clear internal processes<\/strong> and expert advice are essential for navigating these changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For Zambia\u2019s taxpayers – businesses, individuals and gambling operators alike – the message is clear: taking action now may be cheaper<\/strong> than dealing with enforcement later.<\/p>\n\r\n\t\tTax enforcement rising<\/h2>\n\n\n\n