The regulator made the disclosure at its Fifth Annual General Meeting <\/strong>on August 4 in Harare, where it presented its 2025 performance and detailed measures to improve regulation and compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During the year, joint operations with law enforcement agencies led to 29 arrests and the confiscation of 94 illegal gaming machines, which were destroyed following a court order, Mutobaya said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Institutional changes were another feature of 2025. Eugenia Chidhakwa<\/strong>, chairperson of the Lotteries and Gaming Board, said the Board had achieved full compliance with corporate governance requirements, appointed a substantive chief executive and established seven committees. Mutobaya said ten additional staff were recruited across compliance, finance, procurement and human resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond regulation, the Board supported community development projects<\/a> during the year, including classroom construction, skills-training facilities and improvements at heritage sites, Mutobaya said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The regulator is also looking to increase its ability to monitor gambling activity electronically. Chidhakwa said the Board plans to introduce a real-time Gaming Management System<\/a> that will improve oversight of operators and revenue reporting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The regulatory framework is also set for changes. Chidhakwa noted that the government is processing amendments to the Lotteries and Gaming Act to update the legislation governing the sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The reforms come amid concerns over the growth of illegal online gambling and gambling-related harm among young people. Chidhakwa said stronger technological controls and cooperation with relevant stakeholders would be used to address the risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Home affairs and cultural heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe<\/strong> also spoke at the AGM, urging all gambling operators to comply with existing laws and place consumer protection at the centre of their activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kazembe warned that illegal gambling could undermine state revenue and expose players to exploitation. He also called for stronger responsible-gambling measures to protect vulnerable customers.<\/p>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/focusgn.com\/africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/07\/ISJ-1-1-300x200.jpg\")
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