Harare, (New Ziana) – Increased licensing and inspection fees from new entrants assisted in boosting revenue for the Lotteries and Gaming Board (LGB), which collected more than ZWG40 million last year.
The total revenue collected last year, ZWG41 570 822, represents a 205 percent growth from the ZWG13 616 533 collected in 2023 with levy proceeds and license fees totaling ZWG30 554 231 and ZWG10 420 399, respectively.
“The year 2024 experienced new entrants into the gaming industry at the same time, and some operators who were already in the industry opened new shops. This resulted in higher demand for licenses and inspection activities. This surge increased revenues from licensing fees, levies, and inspection fees, thereby directly boosting the LGB’s revenue.
“A total of 461 licenses were processed. This is inclusive of renewals and new licenses. Licensing decisions were guided by responsible gambling principles, with Harare Central Business District (CBD) excluded from new approvals to manage gambling density. Licensing strategy now considers population-to-operator ratios to mitigate gambling harm. The board anticipates growth in licensed operations and consumer engagement with strategic priorities that include regulatory enhancement, responsible gaming promotion, and market adaptation,” LGB secretary Godfrey Mutobaya said.
To ensure adherence to licensing and regulatory standards during the period under review, the LGB conducted twenty-eight inspections and seven patrols.
As local and international investors continue to show interest in the gaming industry, Mutobaya said the entity is monitoring revenue growth, rising compliance concerns, and the emergence of illegal operations.
“The entity is concerned with the growth of online gaming activities in the country and is in the process of amending the Lotteries and Gaming Act to regulate the industry efficiently. The principles to amend the Principal Act were developed, and the process is now at an advanced stage. There is an inherent threat of money laundering, illegal operations, tax evasion, and cybercrime, which may thrive, and to mitigate these risks, we continue to strategically partner with various stakeholders such as law enforcement agencies and technology experts,” he said.
New Ziana
