Gambling is regulated under national law; operators must obtain licenses. Both land-based and online betting are permitted and overseen by a government authority.
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Regulatory AuthorityBetting Control and Licensing Board
License CostVaries
Regulation by Activity Type
Casinos
Regulated
Online Casinos
Partially Regulated
Betting
Regulated
Online Betting
Regulated
Lotteries
Regulated
Poker
Regulated
Highlights
The Betting Control Act establishes the Betting Control and Licensing Board to regulate gambling activities.
All gambling operators must obtain a local license to legally offer betting or gaming services in Zambia.
Online gambling is regulated, and operators must comply with specific licensing and data protection requirements.
Taxation applies to both operators and winnings, with regulations on the transfer of gambling-related funds.
There are no specific laws banning cryptocurrency gambling, but no government-regulated Bitcoin casinos exist.
The regulatory framework aims to prevent fraud, protect player data, and ensure fair gaming practices.
Authorities encourage market entry, viewing gambling licensing as a means to boost state revenue.
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Legislation
Primary Legislation
The core legal framework governing gambling in Zambia is established through several key statutes. The principal piece of legislation is the Betting Control Act, which provides the basis for regulating betting activities, including the establishment of a regulatory board and provisions for the licensing and control of bookmakers and betting premises. This Act is designed to oversee and improve the regulation of bookmaking and betting practices throughout the country. In addition to the Betting Control Act, Zambia has enacted laws since 2012 specifically aimed at regulating gambling activities, including measures to address the growth of online gambling and to ensure the integrity and safety of gambling operations.
Regulatory Authority
The primary regulatory authority responsible for overseeing gambling activities in Zambia is the Betting Control and Licensing Board. This body is established under the Betting Control Act and is tasked with the general supervision, control, and licensing of all betting and gambling operations within the country. The Board’s responsibilities include:
Establishing and enforcing regulations for betting and gambling activities
Issuing licenses for bookmakers and betting premises
Monitoring compliance with gambling laws and regulations
Ensuring the integrity and fairness of gambling operations
License Types
Types of Gambling Licenses in Zambia
Bookmaker License: Required for operators offering betting services, including sports betting, both land-based and online.
Betting Premises License: Needed for physical locations where betting activities take place.
Casino License: For operators wishing to run casino establishments, covering table games and slot machines.
Online Gambling License: For companies offering online betting and gaming services, including online casinos and sports betting platforms.
Application Process
Submit a formal application to the relevant regulatory authority, commonly the Betting Control and Licensing Board.
Provide detailed business plans, operational procedures, and internal controls to demonstrate compliance with regulatory standards.
Include information about company directors, shareholders, and key personnel, along with evidence of their suitability and integrity.
Supply documentation regarding financial stability, including proof of capital and sources of funding.
Undergo background checks and due diligence processes as part of the application review.
Pay the prescribed application and licensing fees as required by the authority.
Duration and Renewal Conditions
Licenses are typically granted for a fixed period, most commonly one year.
Renewal applications must be submitted before the expiry of the current license, adhering to the same standards as initial applications.
Renewal is contingent on continued compliance with all regulatory requirements and the absence of breaches or violations.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be registered legal entities in Zambia or have a registered branch in the country.
Directors and major shareholders must pass fit-and-proper tests, demonstrating good character and no criminal history related to gambling or financial crimes.
Applicants must prove sufficient financial resources to operate the gambling business responsibly.
Operators must have robust internal controls, anti-fraud measures, and responsible gambling policies in place.
Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements
Application fees and annual licensing fees vary depending on the type of license and the scale of operations.
Fees may include:
Non-refundable application fee (amount varies by license type).
Annual license fee (higher for casinos and large-scale operators).
Additional costs for background checks and due diligence processes.
Operators may be required to maintain a minimum capital threshold and provide financial guarantees or bonds as part of the licensing process.
Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining a License
Strict adherence to anti-money laundering (AML) and player protection regulations.
Implementation of secure systems for handling player data and financial transactions.
Regular reporting to the regulatory authority, including operational and financial disclosures.
Ongoing compliance with all conditions set by the licensing authority, including any updates to regulatory standards.
Immediate notification to the regulator of any significant changes in ownership, management, or business structure.
Gambling Tax
Tax Rates for Gambling Operators in Zambia
Type of Gambling Operation
Tax Rate
Tax Base
Casinos
20%–25%
Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
Betting (Bookmakers, Betting Premises)
20%
Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
Lotteries
Varies (typically 20%)
Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
Online Gambling
20%
Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)
Basis for Taxation
Taxes on gambling operators in Zambia are generally calculated based on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), which is defined as the total amount wagered by players minus the winnings paid out.
For all main types of gambling (casinos, betting, lotteries, and online gambling), the standard tax rate is applied to GGR, not turnover or net profit.
Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements
Gambling operators are required to submit regular tax returns, typically on a monthly basis, detailing their GGR and the corresponding tax due.
Tax payments must be made to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) within the prescribed deadlines, usually monthly or quarterly depending on the type of operation and the licensing conditions.
Operators must maintain accurate and auditable records of all wagers, payouts, and GGR calculations to support their tax filings.
Failure to comply with tax reporting or payment obligations can result in penalties, interest charges, or suspension of the gambling license.
Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions
There are currently no widely available tax incentives or exemptions specifically for gambling operators in Zambia.
All licensed operators are subject to the standard tax rates and must comply with all reporting and payment requirements.
Special provisions or negotiated rates may be available in exceptional cases, but these are rare and subject to approval by regulatory authorities.
Prohibited Individuals
Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements
The minimum legal age for participation in any form of gambling in Zambia is 18 years.
Operators are required to enforce strict age verification measures to ensure that minors do not access gambling services. This typically involves requesting official identification documents at both land-based venues and during online registration.
Prohibited Activities and Game Restrictions
Operating any gambling activity without a valid license is strictly prohibited and subject to legal action.
Unlicensed betting, unregulated online gambling platforms, and unauthorized gaming machines are not permitted.
Specific game restrictions may apply as determined by the regulatory authorities, particularly regarding the types of games allowed in licensed venues and online platforms.
Advertising and Marketing Limitations
All gambling advertising and marketing must adhere to ethical standards and promote responsible gambling practices.
Advertisements must not target minors or vulnerable individuals and should avoid misleading claims about winning probabilities.
Marketing materials are required to include clear messages about responsible gambling and the risks associated with gambling.
Responsible Gambling Requirements and Player Protection Measures
Operators must provide resources and information to help players gamble responsibly, including access to support services for problem gambling.
Self-exclusion options must be available, allowing players to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling activities for a specified period.
There are requirements for clear display of terms and conditions, as well as information on the odds of winning and potential risks.
Operators are expected to monitor player behavior and intervene when signs of problem gambling are detected.
Geographic and Location Restrictions
Land-based gambling venues, such as casinos and betting shops, must be located in approved areas as designated by regulatory authorities.
There may be zoning restrictions to prevent gambling establishments from operating near schools, religious institutions, or other sensitive locations.
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Timeline
Year/Date
Event
1958
Enactment of the Betting Control Act, establishing the Betting Control and Licensing Board and introducing licensing for bookmakers and betting premises.
2007
Significant amendments made to the Betting Control Act to update regulatory oversight and address new forms of gambling.
2012
Introduction of a new gambling law requiring all gambling operators, including those offering online services, to obtain a license from the relevant authorities.
2016
Further regulatory updates to strengthen control over gambling activities and enhance player protection measures.
2020s
Ongoing modernization of gambling regulations, including increased attention to online gambling and data protection requirements for operators.
Requirements
Software Certification and Technical Standards
All gambling software and gaming systems must undergo certification to ensure fairness, randomness, and compliance with technical standards established by the Zambian regulatory authority.
Gaming machines and online gaming platforms are subject to registration and approval before being deployed for public use.
Operators are required to use only approved and tested gaming equipment, including both hardware and software components.
Technical standards may include requirements for system integrity, secure transaction processing, and reliable payout mechanisms.
Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location
Operators must comply with Zambia’s data protection laws, ensuring that all customer data is securely processed, stored, and transmitted.
Appropriate technical and organizational measures must be implemented to safeguard personal and financial information against unauthorized access, loss, or misuse.
There may be requirements for servers hosting gambling operations to be located within Zambia or accessible to the regulatory authority for compliance monitoring and auditing.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures
Operators are mandated to implement robust AML procedures, including monitoring transactions for suspicious activity and reporting as required by law.
Comprehensive KYC procedures must be in place to verify the identity and age of all customers, preventing underage gambling and fraudulent activity.
Operators must maintain records of customer identification documents and transaction histories in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping
Operators must maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records, including detailed logs of all bets, payouts, and account transactions.
Regular financial reporting to the regulatory authority is required, with reports prepared in accordance with prescribed accounting and auditing standards.
Operators are subject to periodic audits by independent auditors or the regulator to ensure ongoing compliance and financial integrity.
Record-keeping obligations include the retention of transaction data, customer activity logs, and financial statements for a period specified by the regulator.
Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools
Operators must integrate responsible gambling features into their platforms, such as self-exclusion options, deposit limits, and time-out tools.
Technical systems must be capable of enforcing player-imposed limits and providing real-time notifications related to responsible gambling activities.
Operators are required to display responsible gambling information and access to support services prominently on their platforms.
Gambling regulations are subject to change. The information provided on this page was accurate at the time of publication, but may not reflect the current regulatory landscape. Always consult official sources for the most up-to-date information before making any gambling-related decisions.
