In Zimbabwe, led by the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Kazembe Kazembe, the government has issued a warning against illegal gambling activities. The authorities have committed to shutting down and prosecuting entities or individuals not approved by the Zimbabwe Lotteries and Gambling Board (LGB).
Section 31 of the Lotteries and Gambling Act provides the legal basis for this provision. It explicitly states that organizers and participants of unlicensed gambling activities could face fines up to $400, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
Risks to Public Safety
Minister Kazembe highlighted the severe dangers posed by illegal gambling activities, emphasizing their threat to public safety and the disruption to current regulatory efforts. He strongly urged citizens to exercise caution and avoid participating in these illegal establishments.
Necessity for Regulatory Updates
The Lotteries and Gambling Act was initially enacted in 1998 but did not cover online gambling, leaving operators in a legal gray area. As online gambling becomes increasingly popular across Africa, the Zimbabwean government recognizes the need to update its legislation.
The Zimbabwe Lotteries and Gambling Board noted, "The country's current legislation is insufficient to address the current trends." The government has announced plans to amend the Lotteries and Gambling Act, including provisions related to online gambling.
Former Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Mutsvangwa explained that the new amendments would provide mechanisms to monitor gambling activities and reduce money laundering. "The anticipated legislative revisions will undoubtedly enhance the supervision and management of gambling activities, reduce money laundering, and increase revenue sources," Mutsvangwa said.
