Taxation of operators (Suriname)

1) Taxation framework: what makes up the operator's fiscal burden

1. Special casino tax (Wet Casinobelasting 2002) - fixed amounts for each piece of equipment (slots/tables). In December 2022, the amounts were raised 2 times: SRD 1,600 per month for each slot machine and SRD 12,000 per month for each gaming table (including roulette). These values ​ ​ are valid at the level of the law and apply to all licensed casinos.

2. Corporate income tax is standard for companies in Suriname. The profile materials of the Ministry of Statistics/tax guides indicate a fixed rate of 36% on the profit of companies (for residents and branches of non-residents). Real effective rates depend on the structure of expenses, loss transfers, etc.

3. VAT (VAT/BTW) - introduced on January 1, 2023; base rate 10%. However, the provision of the opportunity to participate in gambling and lotteries is exempt from VAT (exempt), so GGR/gaming services as such are not subject to VAT; VAT may arise on non-exempt related services/supplies.

2) Special "kasino tax": what exactly is paid

Slot machines: SRD 1,600 per month for each machine.

Gaming tables (including roulette): SRD 12,000 per month for each table.

These amounts are indicated directly in the text of the law (S.B. 2022 No. 151), which amended Art. 6 Wet Casinobelasting 2002. The increase was motivated by inflation, devaluation and the transition to the VAT system; the explanatory note predicted double collection.

Accounting and administration. Practical details (payment terms/accounting procedure) are regulated by Wet Casinobelasting norms and subsequent acts of the Ministry of Finance; historically by-law decisions under s. 8 (11) of the 2002 Act (e.g. 2003 ministerial "Beschikking") have been applied. For current practice, you should consult the current orders and forms of the Federal Tax Service.

3) Corporate tax (CIT) and other general taxes

CIT: the benchmark is the 36% rate on taxable profits of companies. Loss transfers within rules are available (extended for the first years, then term-limited). Total base - after recognized costs and depreciation.

Withholding tax/dividends/other: general rules of the corporate unit apply. Specific rates and double tax treaties should be checked against current tax directories and Tax Service clarifications. (Official summary tables on DTA for Suriname are limited; need verification by recipient's specific jurisdiction.)

4) VAT (VAT/BTW) for the gambling sector: where there is tax, and where there is exemption

Starting VAT: from 01. 01. 2023 (replacement of the previous working tax). The base rate is 10%, the increased rates are for certain annexes to the law. The registration threshold is SRD 1 million of annual turnover.

Exempt (exempt): Making gambling available under the Casino Act 2002 and lotteries under the new Loterijwet 2023 - exempt from VAT (both before and after October 1, 2023, as explained). This means no VAT accrual on the gameplay/GGR itself, but does not exclude VAT on related services (food/drinks, accommodation, events, IT outsourcing, etc.), unless they fall under other benefits.

Administration: for exempt operations, input VAT is not deductible (general principle), therefore, the effect of VAT is manifested through a non-refundable "input" tax in the cost of related purchases.

5) Online segment: what the 2023 reform added

Wet Hazardspelen Law (S.B. 2023 No. 135) established a license model for online operators under the supervision of the Gaming Control Board Suriname (GCBS), while the basic tax sheet remains: special tax (if extended to online forms under the law/regulations), CIT and VAT with exemption for core gaming service. The 2023 law itself is "framework," it modernizes definitions (including "online casino") and powers, and the specifics of fees/duties and procedures are clarified by by-laws.

6) Practical recommendations for operators

1. Unit-economics model. Include fixed payments for "casino tax" (SRD/month) in planning. per slot/table) on top of the CIT. This directly affects the marginality of the halls and the configuration of the fleet.

2. VAT release ≠ no VAT risks. The gaming service is exempt, but purchases/outsourcing/F & B can be subject to VAT 10% without deduction - check contracts and separate accounting of incoming VAT.

3. Online licensing. When going online, take into account the requirements of Wet Hazardspelen (reliability, AML/KYC, reporting), as well as the possible distribution of special fees to online formats according to regulations.

4. Indexation and currency risks. SRD denominations are subject to exchange rate and inflation - watch for new acts (Staatsblad) for adjustments to amounts and procedures.

7) Regulatory sources (for verification and citation)

S.B. 2022 No. 151 - Law amending Wet Casinobelasting 2002: SRD 1,600/month. per slot; SRD 12,000/month to the table (including roulette) + explanatory note.

S.B. 2023 # 135 - Wet Hazardspelen: Casino and online casino frame, simultaneous edits in Wet Casinobelasting 2002.

VAT/BTW in Suriname: ofits. Tax Service page (introduction from 01. 01. 2023); analytics at a rate of 10% and administration.

Exemption from VAT to provide the opportunity to participate in gambling/lotteries - clarifications as of 2023 (before and after 01. 10. 2023).

Corporate tax 36% - reference materials on the tax system (check the relevance on the date of calculation).

Brief conclusion

For gambling operators in Suriname, the "core" of the tax burden is a fixed casino tax on equipment + corporate tax; VAT is not charged on the gaming service itself, but affects incoming purchases. After the 2023 reform, online operations are included in a single regulatory framework; for tax amounts, refer to the current Wet Casinobelasting 2002 regulations (as amended 2022) and the latest by-laws for Wet Hazardspelen.