Zimbabwean authorities vowed to shut down illegal gambling venues

By Newsday | May 16, 2026 | 4 Min read

The crackdown will target both major operators and small-scale outlets operating outside the licensing framework. Offenders face fines and custodial sentences.

The Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Kazembe Kazembe, publicly warned of a major crackdown on illegal gambling in the country. According to him, the government intends to shut down and prosecute all organizations and individuals operating without authorization from the Zimbabwe Lotteries and Gaming Board (LGB). The measures announced are grounded in Section 31 of the Lotteries and Gambling Act. The crackdown will target both major operators and small-scale outlets operating outside the licensing framework. Offenders face fines and custodial sentences.

Raids and enforcement: what exactly the authorities plan to do

The government has set a course for systematic detection and forced closures of illegal establishments. The key emphasis is on cooperation with relevant law-enforcement agencies, which will be granted the necessary powers to conduct inspections and raids. The goal is not a one-off operation, but sustained enforcement to ensure compliance with LGB licensing rules.

What the measures are based on: Section 31 and the state’s powers

The legal foundation of the announced campaign is Section 31 of the Lotteries and Gambling Act. This provision gives the state the right to prosecute both organizers and participants in illegal gambling activities. The Act has been in force since 1998 and still remains the main regulatory instrument in this area.

Penalties for illegal gambling

The sanctions provided for by the Act are as follows:

a fine of up to $400 for organizers and participants in illegal gambling activities;
imprisonment for up to one year;
or both.

A “public safety risk”: why the government is stepping up enforcement

Kazembe justified the government’s tough stance by saying that illegal operations pose a direct threat to public safety and undermine efforts to build a civilized regulatory framework. In his words, “unsuspecting residents of Zimbabwe become victims of this blatant breach of the law.” The minister stressed that underground gambling venues create an environment in which it is impossible to protect citizens’ interests.

A warning to citizens and a promise to take cases to court

Separately, the minister urged the public not to visit illegal casinos and gambling halls. “We will work with the relevant authorities to ensure that those who operate outside the law are held accountable,” Kazembe said, adding that the ultimate goal is to create a safe and regulated environment for gambling.

The problem the 1998 Act does not address: online gambling outside the framework

The current Lotteries and Gambling Act, adopted more than a quarter of a century ago, simply contains no provisions on online gambling. This leaves a significant share of digital operators in a so-called “legal grey area,” where clear rules and oversight mechanisms are lacking. Meanwhile, the popularity of online betting is growing rapidly across the African continent, creating additional pressure on regulators.

The situation in Zimbabwe’s virtual market confirms a global trend: international gambling brands are actively expanding into African jurisdictions despite gaps in local regulation. A review of several industry rankings covering both Zimbabwe and other regions—including lists of offers for African players and no deposit bonuses casino in Australia and Europe—showed that the line-up of brands largely overlaps. The same operators work across multiple continents, adapting marketing offers to local audiences while maintaining a single infrastructure.

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It is precisely this cross-border nature that makes national regulation especially difficult: shutting down an illegal offline venue in Harare does not affect the availability of the same operator via a mobile app. For Zimbabwean authorities, this means that without updating the legislative framework, the fight against the underground segment will remain a half-measure.

What the regulator proposes: acknowledging inadequate rules and a plan for amendments

The Zimbabwe Lotteries and Gaming Board (LGB) openly acknowledged that “the country’s current legislation is insufficient to meet modern challenges.” The authorities announced preparations for amendments to the Act, which should include provisions on online betting and bring the regulatory framework into line with today’s digital landscape.

Expected impact of the reforms: control, monitoring, and combating money laundering

Former Minister of Information, public relations and broadcasting Mutsvangwa explained that the new amendments will provide mechanisms for control and monitoring of gambling activities. In his assessment, the reform “helps streamline oversight, reduce money-laundering risks, and increase revenues.” Thus, the legislative changes pursue not only law-enforcement goals but also fiscal objectives.

Two parallel tracks of action

Zimbabwe has effectively launched a two-pronged strategy. The first track involves immediate operational measures against illegal offline establishments. The second is aimed at preparing legislative changes that should bring the rapidly growing online segment into a regulated and monitored environment.