Zimbabwe Intensifies Gambling Oversight with Real-Time Tech and Tax Hikes

The gambling regulatory landscape in Zimbabwe is undergoing a radical transformation. With a new strategy to modernize its oversight system, the country aims to regain control over a sector long plagued by illegal actors. At the heart of this initiative is the Lotteries and Gaming Act, now bolstered by technological innovations. The objective is clearly defined: to dry up the black market through a centralized monitoring system while simultaneously raising standards for responsible gambling.

Dr. Eugenia Chidhakwa, Chairperson of the Lotteries and Gaming Board (LGB), described 2025 as a pivotal transitional period. During this time, the board intends to establish governance systems precisely aligned with national legislation. It is no longer just about mere administration, but about proactive enforcement. The illegal market distorts fair competition and undermines public confidence in the industry's integrity. Consequently, the board is working closely with the Zimbabwe Republic Police to crack down on unlicensed operators.

Numbers and facts

Financially, the sector has already shifted significantly. Zimbabwe has substantially tightened its fiscal framework. Tax rates for gambling operators jumped from a mere 3% to 20%. Players are also being hit harder, as taxes on winnings increased from 10% to 25%. Despite, or perhaps because of, these strict measures, revenues have climbed. CEO Godfrey Mutobaya reported total revenues of ZWG 47.97 million for 2025, equivalent to approximately $1.89 million. The operational surplus stood at ZWG 2.48 million.

Compliance enforcement is already showing practical results. Joint operations with law enforcement agencies led to 29 arrests. Additionally, 94 illegal gaming machines were confiscated and destroyed following a court order. To professionalize these efforts, the board recruited ten additional staff members across compliance, finance, and human resources departments.

Background

The introduction of a so-called Gaming Management System (GMS) is intended to take accountability to a new level. This system enables real-time monitoring. Previously, illegal providers could exploit regulatory gaps because government technology could not keep pace with the rapid development of digital gaming offerings. Arinze Arum, CEO of the Enugu Gaming Commission, emphasized at a recent conference that no single regulator can control a borderless digital ecosystem alone. He called for stronger collaboration and information sharing among African authorities.

"Technology has evolved much faster than regulation, creating opportunities for illegal and unlicensed operators to exploit regulatory gaps across borders. The solution lies in strong collaboration among African regulators, the deployment of technology-driven monitoring systems, intelligence sharing, and greater harmonization of regulatory standards." - Arinze Arum, CEO of the Enugu Gaming Commission

The funds generated by the new taxes are being directed into community projects, according to Mutobaya. These include the construction of classrooms, vocational training facilities, and the protection of cultural heritage sites. In doing so, the board is fulfilling its constitutional responsibility to utilize gambling revenue for the public good.

Why it matters for German players

For German players, the development in Zimbabwe is an interesting example of how states worldwide are attempting to channel online gambling. In Germany, this process is already well advanced with the 2021 State Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021). While Zimbabwe is just beginning to implement real-time systems, the German Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) already utilizes instruments like LUGAS to monitor deposit limits and player bans. In Germany, a strict cross-provider deposit limit of 1,000 euros per month applies, along with a 1-euro-per-spin limit on virtual slot machines.

Anyone wishing to play safely in Germany must strictly adhere to the GGL whitelist. Only providers listed there hold a German license and guarantee player protection according to local standards. Providers from MGA or Curacao jurisdictions often do not meet these strict German criteria and operate illegally in this country. The case of Zimbabwe shows that the fight against the black market is a global challenge that can only be won through technical surveillance and clear legislation.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For operators with a GGL license, the trend in Zimbabwe illustrates that regulatory pressure and higher taxes are becoming global standards. German casinos already shoulder enormous compliance costs to meet the requirements of LUGAS and the OASIS lock file. Increasing the tax burden, as Zimbabwe has done, is a constant political topic in Europe as well. However, licensed providers in Germany benefit from the legal certainty offered by a regulated market, while illegal competitors face increasing pressure through technical barriers and law enforcement.