The 2026 national budget<\/strong>, unveiled by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube<\/strong>, raises the withholding tax on punters\u2019 winnings from 10 per cent to 25 per cent<\/strong> and slashes bookmakers\u2019 gross revenue with a new 20 per cent<\/strong> final tax, up from 3 per cent. The new regime<\/strong> takes effect on January 1, 2026, and the government says the changes aim to capture revenue<\/strong> from the booming gambling sector and curb social harms linked to betting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A representative of a local betting industry association said, according to Equity Axis: \u201cThese taxes punish <\/strong>ordinary citizens and licensed operators, without addressing the root causes<\/strong> of economic hardship.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Analysts warn that the 25 per cent tax on winnings<\/strong> drastically cuts net pay-outs for punters, while the 20 per cent levy on gross revenue could push smaller operators to the brink. Job losses<\/strong>, outlet closures and a shift toward unregulated betting are seen as real risks<\/strong> if the measures remain in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An analyst closely monitoring Zimbabwe\u2019s betting industry said, according to ZimEye: \u201cRather than fixing spending inefficiencies<\/strong> or tackling corruption, the government is squeezing<\/strong> a sector that provides both employment and entertainment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The changes have been described as \u201cone of the most significant overhauls<\/strong>\u201d of Zimbabwe\u2019s gambling regime in years, while cautioning that higher costs for punters and operators may \u201cstifle growth<\/strong>\u201d rather than stabilise the sector, according to an African iGaming report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recent media reports in Zimbabwe say punters have expressed frustration<\/strong>, arguing the tax hike arrives amid economic hardship when gambling can serve as entertainment<\/strong> or extra income. Critics say the taxes address the symptoms<\/strong> rather than the underlying issues<\/strong> of unemployment, inflation and poverty that drive betting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Industry watchers say they will “monitor the impact” on licensed operators and government revenue. The analyst added: \u201cIf the sector contracts or shifts underground<\/strong>, the government risks losing both control<\/strong> and revenue.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n As Zimbabwe pushes to formalise <\/strong>a growing gambling market, officials say the reforms balance bringing in revenue with protecting consumers<\/strong>. Critics call the policy punitive and finance-driven, raising concerns <\/strong>that the real issues, economic hardship affecting ordinary punters and small firms, will not be addressed. <\/p>\n\n\nTax hike sparks industry concern<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/focusgn.com\/africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/12\/ZIM-NEW-300x200.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n