Zambia calls on gambling operators to meet pre-Christmas tax deadline
Operators must settle November returns and the new 10 per cent betting stake levy by December 14, as ZRA urges timely compliance ahead of the festive season.
Zambia.- Betting operators in Zambia are being urged to settle their tax obligations ahead of Christmas, with returns and payments for November due on 14 December, including the recently introduced 10 per cent excise duty on betting stakes.
A Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) notice highlights that, with the festive season typically driving high activity in the sector, timely compliance is essential for smooth operations.
The ZRA reinforced the festive-season deadline in a notice stating: “Make tax payment a priority this festive month”. The notice lists gaming and betting among taxable sectors and provides operators with clear guidance to ensure compliance during one of the busiest periods of the year.
The 10 per cent levy, introduced on August 19, prompted responses from major operators. Betway described the tax as “financially unsustainable and unfair” and temporarily suspended some operations. BetLion also paused services, while betPawa adjusted offerings, suspending casino and jackpot services but continuing sports and virtual betting with the 10 per cent stake tax applied.
Government engages operators
Operators challenged the levy in the Constitutional Court of Zambia. On October 3, the court dismissed applications from Betway and betPawa seeking to halt the excise duty, ruling that it is a consumption tax borne by bettors and within the ZRA’s statutory powers. Following the ruling, operators adjusted their operations, with some pausing services temporarily while others continued under the new tax framework.
On November 4, the government initiated formal consultations with betting operators to discuss the tax’s impact. Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane said the engagement was designed “not to stifle the betting industry but to balance government revenue objectives and social‑welfare concerns, while allowing the sector to continue operating under sustainable terms”.
The ongoing dialogue reflects the government’s engagement with major operators to address concerns about the 10 per cent excise duty, while the ZRA has urged them to comply ahead of the December deadline.
With the festive period approaching, ZRA’s advisory ensures that both operators and bettors have clarity on obligations, supporting a transparent, well-regulated betting sector in Zambia.
