Governor Rapa revealed that despite the K83 million generated from the province’s internal revenue, bookmakers’ tax contributed only K382,000. This amount, he noted, was significantly lower than the money spent by public servants and villagers at these establishments, highlighting a financial drain on the community.

He expressed his dismay over the situation, saying, “Every time I see public servants flocking to betting centers, throwing away their money on mere chance, it is clear that they are not benefiting at all.”

Governor Rapa urged the public, especially civil servants, to reconsider their spending habits. “Even though these places are making millions, their contribution to the province’s revenue is negligible compared to their earnings. People must understand this and stop depositing their money into something that does not offer any real benefits.”

Bookmakers’ tax is just a small portion of the total internal revenue for Western Highlands Province, which includes Goods and Services Tax (GST) amounting to K62 million, Motor Vehicle and PMV registration fees contributing K5 million, Liquor Licensing Tax at K150,000, and Cash Office Collection-Licensing generating K500,000. The estimated total internal revenue for 2025 also includes a K5.5 million rollover from 2024.

Governor Rapa further suggested that it may be in the province’s best interest to remove gambling centers altogether, arguing that they do not significantly contribute to internal revenue but instead weaken the socio-economic fabric of Western Highlands.

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