Zimbabwe crackdown targets illegal betting

Zimbabwean authorities have intensified efforts to shut down illegal casinos and unlicensed betting platforms, warning that the growing shadow market is undermining state revenue, distorting competition and exposing the public to financial risks.

The latest push follows a high-level meeting convened in Harare by the Lotteries and Gaming Board of Zimbabwe (LGB), which brought together industry players, government agencies and law enforcement to coordinate action against unregulated operators.

Key institutions involved include the Office of the President and Cabinet, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage and the Zimbabwe Republic Police, reflecting a broad, inter-agency approach to enforcement.

Authorities say unlicensed operators have expanded significantly in recent years, operating outside the regulatory framework—avoiding taxes, ignoring player protection standards and evading oversight. This has created an uneven playing field for licensed operators while reducing the government's ability to monitor and benefit from the sector.

LGB chairperson Evgenia Chidhakwa said the scale of illegal activity had forced a shift in strategy.

"We realised that many entities are operating illegally, so we are now working closely with the Zimbabwe Republic Police to clamp down on such activity," she said.

Zimbabwe's gambling market is also complicated by the presence of offshore-licensed platforms that operate in a legal grey area—accessible to local users but outside domestic taxation and regulatory systems.

Officials say the crackdown is not only about enforcement but also about strengthening governance, promoting responsible gambling and protecting consumers.

Permanent Secretary in the Corporate Governance Unit, Allan Choruma, stressed the need for a balanced approach.

"The public interest requires a balance between the needs of business and the needs of people. We are equally concerned about preventing money laundering and tackling gambling addiction," he said.

Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe reminded regulators of their mandate to safeguard the public and ensure the sector contributes to national development.

"You have been entrusted with a critical mandate to regulate and oversee the gambling industry, protect the public interest and ensure that revenues are channelled into national development," he said.

Authorities say the intensified campaign will combine licensing audits, compliance checks, police raids and prosecutions to dismantle illegal operations.

The government is targeting four key outcomes: protecting consumers from fraud, curbing financial crimes such as money laundering, promoting responsible gambling and ensuring the sector continues to contribute sustainably to the economy.

As enforcement tightens, officials say compliant operators can expect a more predictable business environment, while illegal platforms face increasing pressure from regulators and law enforcement.