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Is Gambling Legal in Zimbabwe?

Regulated
Gambling is regulated under the Lotteries and Gaming Act; land-based and online betting (via licensed operators) are permitted, with a 10% tax on sports betting winnings effective January 2025.
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    Key Information Highlights Legislation Timeline Requirements Sources

    Key Information

    Last Update 2025
    Regulatory Authority Lotteries and Gaming Board
    License Cost Varies

    Regulation by Activity Type

    Casinos Regulated
    Online Casinos Unregulated
    Betting Regulated
    Online Betting Regulated
    Lotteries Regulated
    Poker Regulated

    Highlights

    • Gambling in Zimbabwe is regulated by the Lotteries and Gaming Act (Chapter 10:26), covering all key gambling activities.
    • The Lotteries and Gaming Board serves as the national regulator, overseeing licensing and compliance for operators.
    • Online gambling is not formally regulated, but land-based bookmakers may offer online betting under their licenses.
    • A 10% withholding tax on gross sports betting winnings will be implemented from January 1, 2025, deducted at source.
    • All forms of gambling, including betting, casinos, lotteries, and arcades, require a license issued by the regulator.
    • Data protection for gambling operators is governed by the Cyber and Data Protection Act, effective since December 2021.
    • The new tax applies to both in-house and online sports betting winnings managed by licensed land-based bookmakers.
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      Legislation

      Primary Legislation

      The core legal framework governing gambling in Zimbabwe is established by the Lotteries and Gaming Act (Chapter 10:26). This Act regulates and controls all forms of lottery and gaming activities within the country, providing the statutory basis for the operation, conduct, and oversight of gambling. The Act covers a wide range of gambling activities, including betting, sports betting, skill games, card games, casinos, lotteries, and gaming arcades. Additionally, Zimbabwe has enacted the Cyber and Data Protection Act (Chapter 12:07), which applies to the processing and protection of personal data, including data related to gambling activities.

      Regulatory Authority

      Oversight and enforcement of gambling laws in Zimbabwe are the responsibility of the Lotteries and Gaming Board. This regulatory authority operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage and is tasked with ensuring compliance with the Lotteries and Gaming Act. The Board's key legal responsibilities include:
      • Regulating and supervising all lottery and gaming activities within Zimbabwe
      • Ensuring adherence to the statutory provisions of the Lotteries and Gaming Act
      • Overseeing the conduct of operators and safeguarding the integrity of the gambling sector
      • Implementing relevant aspects of data protection as required by the Cyber and Data Protection Act

      License Types

      Licensing System Overview

      Gambling activities in Zimbabwe are regulated by the Lotteries and Gaming Board (LGB) under the Lotteries and Gaming Act (Chapter 10:26). The LGB is responsible for issuing licenses, regulating, and overseeing all gambling operations in the country. The licensing system covers a broad range of gambling activities, including casinos, betting shops, lotteries, sports betting, skill games, card games, and arcades.

      Types of Gambling Licenses

      • Casino License – Required for operating land-based casino establishments.
      • Betting Shop License – For operators running betting shops, including sports betting and pool betting.
      • Lottery License – For entities organizing and managing lottery draws.
      • Gaming Machine License – For the operation of gaming machines (slot machines, etc.).
      • Skill Game License – For games of skill that involve wagering.
      • Arcade License – For amusement arcades offering various gaming activities.

      Application Process

      • Applicants must submit a formal application to the Lotteries and Gaming Board.
      • The application should include detailed business plans, proof of financial capability, background checks of key personnel, and information about the proposed premises.
      • Supporting documents may include incorporation certificates, tax clearance certificates, and evidence of compliance with local authority requirements.
      • The Board reviews applications for suitability, financial stability, integrity, and compliance with regulatory standards.
      • Site inspections and interviews with applicants are typically part of the process.

      Duration and Renewal

      • Licenses are generally issued for a fixed period, most commonly one year.
      • Renewal applications must be submitted before the license expiry date, accompanied by updated documentation and payment of renewal fees.
      • Ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements is necessary for renewal approval.

      Eligibility Criteria

      • Applicants must be registered legal entities in Zimbabwe.
      • Key personnel and shareholders must pass background and integrity checks.
      • Applicants must demonstrate adequate financial resources to operate the gambling business.
      • Premises must meet safety and operational standards as set by the Board.

      Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements

      • Application fees are payable upon submission; the amount varies by license type.
      • Successful applicants must pay an initial licensing fee, which differs depending on the category (e.g., casino, betting shop, lottery).
      • Annual renewal fees are required to maintain the license.
      • Operators may be required to provide financial guarantees or bonds to ensure compliance and cover potential liabilities.
      • Additional costs may include site inspection fees and administrative charges.

      Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining Licenses

      • Strict adherence to anti-money laundering (AML) and responsible gambling policies.
      • Regular reporting to the Lotteries and Gaming Board on operations and financial performance.
      • Maintenance of accurate records and submission of periodic audits as required by the Board.
      • Compliance with all regulatory directives and operational standards set by the Board.
      • Immediate notification to the Board of any significant changes in ownership, management, or business structure.

      Summary Table: License Types and Key Details

      License Type Main Activities Covered Application Fee Annual Fee Validity
      Casino Casino gaming (tables, slots) Varies (official schedule) Varies (official schedule) 1 year
      Betting Shop Sports and pool betting Varies Varies 1 year
      Lottery Lottery draws, ticket sales Varies Varies 1 year
      Gaming Machine Slot machines, gaming terminals Varies Varies 1 year
      Skill Game Games of skill with wagering Varies Varies 1 year
      Arcade Amusement and gaming arcades Varies Varies 1 year
       

      Gambling Tax

      Tax Rates for Gambling Operators in Zimbabwe

      Type of Gambling Tax Rate Basis for Taxation Effective Date
      Sports Betting (Retail & Online) 10% Gross winnings (withholding tax deducted from punters' winnings) 1 January 2025

      Basis for Taxation

      • The 10% tax is applied as a withholding tax on gross winnings paid out to punters by both land-based and online sports betting operators.
      • The tax is not levied on operator turnover or gross gaming revenue (GGR), but directly on the amount won by the player at the time of payout.

      Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements

      • Operators (bookmakers and betting shops) are responsible for withholding the 10% tax at the point of payout to winning punters.
      • The withheld tax must be remitted to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) through the official tax portal.
      • Operators must register the relevant tax type in ZIMRA’s Self-Service Portal (SSP) and file returns as required by the authority.
      • Tax returns and payments are due in accordance with the deadlines and procedures stipulated by ZIMRA, typically on a monthly basis.
      • Operators are required to maintain records of all winnings, tax withheld, and remittances for audit and compliance purposes.

      Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions

      • There are currently no published tax incentives, exemptions, or special provisions for gambling operators in Zimbabwe regarding the withholding tax on sports betting winnings.
      • The tax applies uniformly to all winnings, regardless of amount or whether the bet was placed in-person or online.

      Prohibited Individuals

      Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements

      • The minimum legal age for participating in gambling activities in Zimbabwe is 18 years old. Gambling operators are required to verify the age of all players to prevent underage gambling.
      • Identification checks are mandatory for entry into licensed gambling venues and for participation in regulated gambling activities. Operators must ensure that all customers provide valid identification documents to confirm their age and identity.

      Prohibited Activities and Game Restrictions

      • Unlicensed gambling operations are strictly prohibited. Only activities authorized by the Lotteries and Gaming Board are permitted.
      • Online gambling is not regulated in Zimbabwe, meaning that the operation of online gambling platforms within the country is not permitted under current law.
      • Specific forms of gambling, such as unauthorized lotteries, unlicensed betting, and informal gaming activities, are prohibited.
      • There are restrictions on the types of games offered in licensed venues, with only approved casino games, betting, lotteries, and certain skill games allowed.

      Advertising and Marketing Limitations

      • Gambling advertising must not target minors or vulnerable groups. Any promotional material must clearly state the minimum age requirement for participation.
      • Advertisements must not present gambling as a solution to financial problems or promote excessive or irresponsible gambling behavior.
      • Operators are prohibited from making misleading claims about the chances of winning or the benefits of gambling.
      • Marketing communications must include responsible gambling messages and information about the risks associated with gambling.

      Responsible Gambling Requirements and Player Protection Measures

      • Operators are required to implement responsible gambling policies, including providing information on the risks of gambling and access to support services for problem gamblers.
      • Self-exclusion programs must be available, allowing players to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling venues or activities.
      • Staff at licensed gambling establishments must be trained to identify and assist individuals showing signs of problem gambling.
      • Operators must ensure the privacy and protection of player data in accordance with the Cyber and Data Protection Act, which includes safeguards against unauthorized use or disclosure of personal information.

      Geographic and Location Restrictions

      • Gambling venues can only operate in locations approved by the Lotteries and Gaming Board. There are restrictions on the proximity of gambling establishments to schools, places of worship, and other sensitive locations to reduce exposure to minors and vulnerable individuals.
      • Mobile or temporary gambling operations are not permitted unless specifically authorized by the regulator.
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        Timeline

        Year/Date Event
        1960 The Betting and Totalizator Control Act is enacted, establishing the first formal legal framework for betting activities in Zimbabwe (then Southern Rhodesia).
        1973 The Lotteries Act is introduced to regulate lottery operations in the country.
        2000 The Lotteries and Gaming Act (Chapter 10:26) is enacted, consolidating and updating previous laws to regulate and control all forms of gaming and lotteries, and establishing the Lotteries and Gaming Board as the main regulatory authority.
        2018 Amendments are made to the Lotteries and Gaming Act to address emerging forms of gambling and strengthen regulatory oversight.
        2021 The Cyber and Data Protection Act (Chapter 12:07) comes into force, introducing data protection requirements relevant to gambling operators handling personal data.
        2025 A 10% withholding tax on gross winnings from sports betting is introduced, effective January 1, 2025, as part of the national budget to increase government revenue from gambling activities.

        Requirements

        Software Certification and Technical Standards Requirements

        • Gambling operators must ensure that all gaming software and systems used for lotteries, betting, and casino operations comply with technical standards as stipulated by the Lotteries and Gaming Board of Zimbabwe.
        • Systems must be robust, secure, and capable of preventing unauthorized access or manipulation of games and betting outcomes.
        • Random Number Generators (RNGs) and other critical gaming software components are required to be tested and certified by recognized independent testing laboratories to guarantee fairness and integrity.
        • Operators must implement mechanisms for real-time monitoring and logging of all gaming activities, ensuring traceability and auditability of all transactions.

        Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location Requirements

        • Operators are subject to the Cyber and Data Protection Act (CDPA), which mandates the secure collection, processing, transmission, and storage of personal data of players.
        • Data controllers and processors, whether based in Zimbabwe or abroad, must comply with Zimbabwean data protection laws if their operations involve infrastructure located in Zimbabwe or target Zimbabwean residents.
        • Operators must implement adequate technical and organizational measures to safeguard personal data against unauthorized or unlawful processing, accidental loss, destruction, or damage.
        • There are currently no explicit statutory requirements for server location; however, data must be accessible to Zimbabwean authorities for regulatory oversight and compliance checks.

        Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures

        • Operators are required to establish and maintain robust AML programs, including policies and procedures for the detection and reporting of suspicious transactions.
        • Comprehensive KYC procedures must be implemented to verify the identity of all customers, including the collection and validation of official identification documents and proof of address.
        • Operators must conduct ongoing monitoring of customer transactions and account activity to detect and prevent money laundering and terrorist financing.
        • Records of customer identification, transactions, and AML investigations must be securely maintained and made available to authorities upon request.

        Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping Requirements

        • Operators are required to maintain accurate and complete financial records of all gaming activities, including bets, winnings, payouts, and taxes withheld.
        • Regular submission of financial statements and operational reports to the Lotteries and Gaming Board is mandatory, following recognized accounting and auditing standards.
        • Operators must engage independent auditors to conduct periodic audits of their financial and operational systems, ensuring transparency and regulatory compliance.
        • All records, including transaction logs, customer data, and audit trails, must be retained for a minimum period as specified by the regulator and be readily accessible for inspection.

        Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools

        • Operators must integrate technical features that support responsible gambling, such as self-exclusion mechanisms, deposit and loss limits, and time-out functionalities.
        • Systems must allow players to set personal limits and self-exclude from gambling activities, with immediate effect upon request.
        • Responsible gambling information and support resources must be prominently displayed and easily accessible on all operator platforms.
        • Operators are required to monitor player behavior for signs of problem gambling and intervene appropriately, including providing automated alerts and referrals to support services.

        Sources

        Primary Regulatory Authorities

        • Lotteries and Gaming Board of Zimbabwe - Official regulatory body for gambling and gaming activities in Zimbabwe
        • Email: info@lotteriesgamingboard.co.zw
        • Phone: +263 24 270 2986
        • Address: 7th Floor, Mukwati Building, Corner Livingstone Avenue & 4th Street, Harare, Zimbabwe

        Legislation Resources

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          Important Information Notice

          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.

          Last updated: 21 April 2025