Zimbabwe's gaming industry is undergoing sweeping reforms as government and the Lotteries and Gaming Board strengthen regulation, tighten enforcement against illegal gambling, modernise oversight through digital systems and promote responsible gaming to boost transparency, consumer protection and sustainable economic growth.
Addressing the Fifth Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Harare on Tuesday, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage minister Kazembe Kazembe challenged the industry to embrace professionalism, ethical conduct and full compliance with the country's laws.
He described the gaming industry as an important contributor to the economy that must be safeguarded through integrity, accountability and responsible regulation.
Kazembe also warned that illegal gambling threatens public confidence, deprives the State of revenue and exposes citizens to exploitation.
"Compliance is not optional. It is both a legal and moral obligation," Kazembe said, urging operators to place consumer welfare at the centre of their business models while promoting responsible gaming and protecting vulnerable groups from gambling-related harm.
Meanwhile, board chairperson Dr Eugenia Chidhakwa said 2025 marked a period of institutional consolidation, with the Board strengthening governance systems in line with the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act while reinforcing transparency, accountability and strategic oversight.
She said the board had achieved full compliance with corporate governance requirements, appointed a substantive chief executive officer and strengthened its governance architecture through seven board committees responsible for oversight and policy implementation.
"The board remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard integrity, inspire trust and contribute meaningfully to national socio-economic development," Chidhakwa said.
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She revealed that government is processing amendments to the Lotteries and Gaming Act to modernise the legal framework and improve regulatory efficiency as the industry continues to evolve.
Chidhakwa also highlighted the board's plans to introduce a real-time Gaming Management System that will enhance monitoring, improve revenue accountability and strengthen oversight of licensed operators.
She expressed concern over the growth of illegal online gambling and increasing gambling addiction, particularly among young people, saying stronger technological controls and stakeholder partnerships were being pursued to address emerging risks.
Chief executive Godfrey Mutobaya said institutional strengthening remained a major priority during 2025 following his substantive appointment and the recruitment of ten additional officers across compliance, finance, procurement and human resources.
He said nationwide compliance operations conducted jointly with law enforcement agencies resulted in 29 arrests and the confiscation of 94 illegal gaming machines, which were later destroyed under a court order.
Mutobaya reported that the board recorded total revenue of ZiG47.97 million during 2025, generating an operational surplus of ZiG2.48 million while maintaining a positive net asset position of ZiG4.07 million.
Beyond regulation, he said the Board continued funding community development projects across education, heritage conservation and social infrastructure in fulfilment of its statutory mandate.
Among the projects completed were classroom blocks, skills training facilities and infrastructure improvements at heritage sites, reinforcing the Board's commitment to supporting national development.
The AGM also reaffirmed the Board's commitment to expanding digital regulation, enhancing stakeholder engagement, strengthening compliance systems and promoting responsible gaming as Zimbabwe modernises its rapidly growing gaming industry.
The key Lottery Board and Gaming AGM Highlights include and were not limited to Minister Kazembe Kazembe call for stricter compliance and responsible gaming, Governance strengthened through full corporate governance compliance, Government advancing amendments to the Lotteries and Gaming Act, Real-time Gaming Management System under development, warning and noticing that 29 arrests and 94 illegal gaming machines confiscated.
The AGM also noticed that Revenue reached ZiG47.97 million, Operational surplus recorded at ZiG2.48 million, Community development projects expanded nationwide and Greater focus on youth protection and combating gambling addiction.
