THE rapid growth of the gaming and lottery industry over the past few years has raised concerns about the presence of illicit operators exploiting the sector to the detriment of the national economy, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister, Honourable Kazembe Kazembe has warned.
Addressing the Lotteries and Gaming Board’s strategic planning workshop in Nyanga on Wednesday, Minister Kazembe emphasized the need for stringent oversight to eliminate rogue players who evade statutory obligations, thereby depriving the nation of vital revenue.
Minister Kazembe was represented by his deputy, Honourable Chido Sanyatwe.
According to Minister Kazembe, the industry’s phenomenal rise necessitates robust regulation to safeguard the public, and ensure that operators contribute to the country’s economic growth through taxes and other statutory obligations.
The minister’s remarks underscore Government’s commitment to create a fair and transparent gaming environment that benefits both the industry and the nation.
The Lotteries and Gaming Board is expected to play a pivotal role in enforcing regulations and promoting responsible gaming practices.
The workshop in Nyanga is part of efforts to strengthen the industry’s regulatory framework and align it with international best practices.
“I wish to be unequivocal that illegal gaming will not be tolerated, as it undermines the credibility of the industry, deprives the nation of revenue, and exposes vulnerable citizens to exploitation. As a board, you must strengthen your enforcement agencies and deploy modern monitoring tools to detect and dismantle illegal operations.
“This is not merely a regulatory obligation – it is a moral duty to protect the public and uphold responsible gaming practices, as well as the principle of integrity. I direct the board to prioritise institutional modernisation by adopting digital systems for licensing, monitoring, and reporting frameworks.
“This workshop marks a turning point in the governance of lotteries and gaming in Zimbabwe. Let the outcomes of this workshop reflect unity of purpose, foresight, and commitment to national integrity. In doing so, the Lotteries and Gaming Board shall contribute directly to the realisation of Vision 2030, ensuring that the gaming industry is not only profitable but also ethical, transparent, and aligned with our national development agenda. Together, let us build a gaming sector that strengthens public trust, supports economic growth, and upholds the values of accountability and integrity for generations to come,” said Minister Kazembe.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Mr Aaron Nhepera said for the Lotteries and Gaming Board to maintain integrity in the sector, there is need for stronger enforcement and legislative reform to match international standards.
“The gaming industry is a vital contributor to national revenue and community development, yet it faces challenges that demand foresight and decisive action. The proliferation of illegal operators threatens the integrity of the sector, undermines fair competition, and erodes public trust.
“Addressing these threats requires stronger enforcement, legislative reform, and coordinated policy guidance. At the same time, the Board must continue to build on its achievements in regulatory modernisation, project delivery, and institutional strengthening, ensuring that its operations remain aligned with international best practice and the aspirations of our people,” he said.
The gaming sector in Zimbabwe faces several challenges that hinder its growth and development. One of the major challenges is the proliferation of illegal gaming operators, which undermines the credibility of the industry and deprives the nation of revenue.
Additionally, the sector faces challenges related to regulatory frameworks, infrastructure, and capacity building.
To address these challenges, Government and regulatory bodies must strengthen enforcement mechanisms to curb illegal gaming operations.
This can be achieved through the adoption of modern monitoring tools and the deployment of skilled personnel to detect and dismantle illicit activities.
Furthermore, there is a need for legislative reform to match international standards and provide a conducive environment for the industry to thrive.-herald
Illicit gaming threatens national revenue
