Zimbabwe government targets illegal gambling to safeguard licensed sector
Government and regulators, including the Lotteries and Gaming Board, the Office of the President and Cabinet and the Ministry of Home Affairs step up enforcement.
Zimbabwe.- The Zimbabwean Government said illegal gambling is distorting fair competition, undermining public confidence and weakening regulatory oversight in a sector regarded as a key contributor to national revenue.
Authorities in Zimbabwe are intensifying efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal casino and betting operators amid growing concern over the integrity, regulation and sustainability of the country’s gaming industry.
Zimbabwe’s Lotteries and Gaming Board (LGB) recently brought together stakeholders in Harare to tackle illegal gambling activities. The coordinated approach reflects growing concern among regulators and government officials about the long-term health of the licensed gaming sector.
Eugenia Chidhakwa, LGB Chairperson, said the regulator is working closely with law enforcement and stakeholders. “We have realised that many entities are operating illegally, so we are now working together with the Zimbabwe Republic Police to curb such activities. We are also conducting stakeholder engagements where we educate each other,” she said, according to Bulawayo24.
Governance and responsible gambling
Permanent Secretary Allan Choruma, of the Corporate Governance Unit in the Office of the President and Cabinet, emphasised responsible gambling and balancing public interest with business performance.
He said: “We are advocating for responsible gambling. We also focus on the financial performance of entities and service delivery. Public interest demands that we balance business interests with the needs of people. We are also concerned about preventing money laundering and addressing addiction.”
Minister Kazembe Kazembe, of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, urged the regulator to uphold its mandate and governance standards. “As a Board, you are entrusted with a critical mandate to regulate and control the gaming industry, safeguard public interest and ensure revenues are channelled towards national development. You are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, discipline and patriotism,” said Kazembe.
Officials said proper regulation is essential to protect consumers, curb financial crimes, promote responsible gambling and keep the gaming sector on the straight and narrow while contributing to Zimbabwe’s economy.
