TLDR
- Zimbabwe’s Lotteries and Gaming Board reported ZiG47.97 million ($1.89 million) in revenue for 2025.
- The regulator posted an operational surplus of ZiG2.48 million ($97,800) for the year.
- Joint operations with law enforcement led to 29 arrests and the seizure of 94 illegal gaming machines.
- The Board hired ten new staff and formed seven committees to improve governance.
- A new real-time Gaming Management System and updated gambling laws are in the works.
Zimbabwe’s Lotteries and Gaming Board has released its financial results for 2025. The regulator reported revenue of ZiG47.97 million, which equals about $1.89 million.
The Board also posted an operational surplus of ZiG2.48 million, or roughly $97,800. These figures were shared at the regulator’s Fifth Annual General Meeting in Harare on August 4.
Chief executive Godfrey Mutobaya presented the numbers to attendees. He also used the meeting to outline the Board’s plans for reforming gambling oversight in the country.
Enforcement Actions Target Illegal Gambling
Mutobaya said the regulator worked with law enforcement during the year to crack down on unlicensed gambling activity. These joint operations resulted in 29 arrests.
Officers also seized 94 illegal gaming machines during the operations. The machines were later destroyed under court orders.
The enforcement push reflects ongoing efforts by the regulator to limit unlicensed gambling operations across Zimbabwe. Illegal machines have been a longstanding issue for regulators in the region.
Mutobaya also spoke about changes inside the organization. The Board recruited ten new staff members during the year.
These new hires cover compliance, finance, procurement, and human resources. The additions are meant to support the regulator’s growing responsibilities.
Board chairperson Eugenia Chidhakwa spoke separately about governance improvements. She said the regulator reached full compliance with corporate governance requirements during 2025.
The Board also appointed a substantive chief executive during the year. It formed seven committees to help improve accountability within the organization.
Chidhakwa described these changes as part of a wider modernization plan. The goal is to bring Zimbabwe’s gambling regulation closer to international standards.
New Technology and Legal Reforms Planned
The regulator is preparing to introduce new technology for oversight. Chidhakwa said the Board plans to roll out a real-time Gaming Management System.
This system would let regulators monitor operators more closely. It is also expected to improve the accuracy of revenue reporting across the sector.
The technology plan is tied to a bigger reform effort. Amendments to the Lotteries and Gaming Act are currently being processed by the government.
These legal changes are meant to update the framework that governs gambling in Zimbabwe. Officials say the reforms are partly a response to the growth of illegal online gambling.
Chidhakwa said this growth poses risks, especially for young people. She said better technology paired with cooperation between stakeholders could reduce gambling related harm.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe also spoke at the meeting. He urged gambling operators to fully comply with existing laws.
Kazembe said illegal gambling reduces state revenue. He added that it also puts players at risk of exploitation.
The minister called for stronger responsible gambling measures across the industry. He said vulnerable customers need protection as the sector continues to expand under new rules.
