How Zimbabwe’s Lotteries and Gaming Fund is supporting national development
The fund was established to harness the economic potential of the gambling industry for national development.
Zimbabwe.- The Department of Lotteries and Gaming Fund has been recognised as a vital component in Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development.
In a piece written for The Herald, Nick Mangwana, the Permanent Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting services, shed light on how the fund aids the country’s long-term economic sustainability and social well-being through significant contributions to infrastructure development, community development projects and the revenue purse.
Established under the Lotteries and Gaming Act (Chapter 10:26), the fund is regulated by the Lotteries and Gaming Board, under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage. It was established to harness the economic potential of the gambling industry for national development. Its mission aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which aims to achieve an upper-middle-income economy by 2030 through strategic revenue allocation.
The Lotteries and Gaming Fund gets its revenue from licensing fees and contributions collected from sportsbook, lottery and casino operators regulated in the jurisdiction, such as the 10 per cent withholding tax on sports betting winnings. With more than 530 gambling licences issued in the country, the gaming industry has emerged as a substantial revenue stream for the government.
Commitment to consumer protection
The Lotteries and Gaming Board ensures that licensed operators adhere to responsible gaming practices, such as implementing age restrictions and promoting awareness campaigns to prevent gambling addiction. Some companies also support local economies by creating jobs and partnering with businesses.
According to a 2020 World Lottery Association (WLA) survey, 54 per cent of member lotteries, including those in Zimbabwe, actively prioritise consumer protection and data privacy as part of their CSR frameworks. Additionally, operators often collaborate with the board to fund cultural and heritage projects, such as the Altena Farm Monument, enhancing tourism and community pride.
The government also carries out enforcement actions against illegal gaming operators to ensure a fair market for operators and protect consumers while sustaining the industry’s contributions to Zimbabwe’s economy. In 2023, Minister Kazembe commissioned three Toyota GD6 vehicles to strengthen the fight against unlicensed gambling operations.
Beneficiaries of the fund
The Lotteries and Gaming Fund has directly supported various community projects. Some of them include the Pupu Clinic in Lupane, Matabeleland North Province, which provides essential healthcare services to rural residents.
In Mazowe, the fund supported the construction of a classroom block at Kundai High School, improving the learning environment for students. The Altena Farm Monument in Centenary, Mashonaland Central Province, another beneficiary, promotes cultural heritage and tourism. In July 2025, the board donated $6,000 to the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ)
In 2023, the fund allocated $120m to eight organisations and $3,000 to the Sports and Recreation Commission to support sports development, demonstrating its commitment to diverse sectors.
Future outlook
Mangwana concluded that the Lotteries and Gaming Fund is a model of how gaming revenue can be harnessed to drive national development and support social welfare programs.
With the betting landscape shifting towards online platforms, the Lotteries and Gaming Board is evolving to meet the challenges of the digital age, focusing on clear regulations and embracing technological advancements to ensure a safe, fair and sustainable gaming environment. By refining legislation and collaborating with law enforcement, the regulator aims to maintain industry integrity.
The fund’s strategic allocation of resources supports Zimbabwe’s vision of inclusive development, balancing economic growth with social responsibility. As the gaming sector expands, its contributions to healthcare, education and cultural preservation remain vital to the nation’s progress.
