By Zachary Gava
Harare, (New Ziana) – Government has vowed to intensify its crackdown on illegal gambling operations while tightening oversight of Zimbabwe’s rapidly expanding gaming industry, with operators being urged to prioritize compliance, consumer protection and responsible gaming as the sector continues to contribute to national economic development.
Speaking during the 5th Annual General Meeting of the Lotteries and Gaming Board in Harare on Wednesday, Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Kazembe Kazembe said authorities would leave no stone unturned in restoring order to the industry and ensuring that all gaming activities are conducted within the law.
“I want to be categorical in this statement that my Ministry and all the enforcement machinery will not rest until sanity prevails and ensure compliance is strengthened to deal with this situation without fear or favour,” Kazembe said.
He warned that illegal gambling operations undermine the integrity of the gaming industry, deprive the State of much-needed revenue and expose citizens to exploitation.
“Operators are reminded that compliance is not optional, it is a legal and moral obligation and should place consumer welfare at the centre of their business models. Operators must embrace compliance not as a burden but as a pathway to sustainability,” he said.
Kazembe described the Annual General Meeting as more than a statutory requirement, saying it was a vital platform for accountability, reflection and strengthening governance within the sector.
He said the Lotteries and Gaming Board remains the statutory guardian of integrity in Zimbabwe’s gaming industry, tasked with ensuring that gaming activities are conducted lawfully, transparently and in the public interest.
According to the minister, the gaming sector has become an important contributor to national development through revenue generation, employment creation and support for social investment programmes, but stressed that its continued growth depends on strong governance and public confidence.
“As Government, we view gaming not merely as a commercial pursuit but as a regulated space that must uphold the highest standards of governance, fairness and public trust,” he said.
Kazembe called for stronger corporate governance systems, enhanced compliance monitoring and closer collaboration between the Board and key oversight institutions, including the Accountant General, the Corporate Governance Unit and the Financial Intelligence Unit, to create a harmonized regulatory environment.
He also challenged the Board to exercise restraint in issuing new casino and sports betting licences, warning that gaming should never become a source of social harm.
“The Board, operators and civic organisations are therefore urged to strengthen responsible gaming practices… establishing clear safeguards against under-age participation, designing mechanisms to prevent addiction and financial distress, and embedding early-warning systems that protect vulnerable consumers,” he said.
Kasembe further urged operators to complement regulation with public awareness campaigns highlighting the dangers of excessive gambling.
Looking ahead, he said Government was modernizing gaming regulations in line with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), while benchmarking Zimbabwe’s regulatory framework against international best practices.
“Zimbabwe welcomes international investors who are prepared to operate in accordance with the laws and regulations governing this industry,” he said, adding that digital innovation should be embraced responsibly with safeguards against financial crime and abuse.
Kazembe also commended the Lotteries and Gaming Board for its 2025 achievements, noting its support for healthcare, education, sports, recreation and heritage preservation projects across the country.
He said the Board’s contribution to the rehabilitation of national heritage sites, including the Chimolo Shrines in Mozambique, as well as its corporate social responsibility initiatives undertaken with gaming operators, demonstrated the industry’s positive contribution to national development.
“Together, let us ensure that gaming in Zimbabwe is not only a source of entertainment but also a pillar of national development, governance excellence and social responsibility,” Kazembe said.
New Ziana
