Zimbabwe is a country located in southeastern Africa where gambling has been accepted by society since the early 20th century. In the years that followed, the country’s gambling industry, especially Zimbabwe bookmakers and sports betting, has grown tremendously. In this article, we will discuss the country’s gambling laws and legislation, the history of bookmaker gambling laws, regulatory bodies, types of bets allowed and prohibited, gambling licenses, fees, taxes, and milestones in the history of sporting events.
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Table of Contents
Zimbabwe is a country located in southeastern Africa where gambling has been accepted by society since the early 20th century. In the years that followed, the country’s gambling industry, especially Zimbabwe bookmakers and sports betting, has grown tremendously. In this article, we will discuss the country’s gambling laws and legislation, the history of bookmaker gambling laws, regulatory bodies, types of bets allowed and prohibited, gambling licenses, fees, taxes, and milestones in the history of sporting events.
Summary of Key Events
Legal Framework of Gambling in Zimbabwe
Early Legislation
- 1970: The Independence of Zimbabwe was achieved; 1935 – Lottery was legalized thus the formation of State Lotteries Zimbabwe. Lottery business was not opened to the Africans until 1959.
- 1960: Pools Control Act was passed to legalise pool betting but this only applied to the territory of today’s Zimbabwe (Rhodesia).
- 1976: Betting and Totalisator Control Act legalised betting.
Post-Independence Developments
- 1980: Zimbabwe got its independence from Britain and became a republic.
- 1998: Lotteries and Gambling Act is adopted allowing casinos and the reform of the legislation on gambling.
- 2002: Online gambling was made legal in 2002 with the passing of the Lotteries and Gambling Act amendment.
Recent Amendments
- 2022: The government made a decision to introduce changes to the Gambling Act which will allow regulated online sports betting and iGaming.
Current Gambling Regulations
Bookmakers Regulatory Agencies
The regulation of gambling in Zimbabwe is in the hands of the Lotteries and Gambling Board which falls under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Among the functions of the Board there is the regulation of issuance and withdrawal of licenses, regulation of the quality of services, and supervision of all the land-based gambling operations.
Types of Gambling Licenses
Zimbabwe issues several types of gambling licenses:
- Casino License
- Bookmaker License
- A remote gambling operating licence (Gaming House/Slot Hall Licence)
Online gambling permits are not available; any digital gambling business has to get a license for traditional gambling as well. Applicants for any license must submit:
- A detailed business plan that shows the financial capacity of the business including the cash flow projections.
- Certificate of Incorporation.
- Memorandum and Articles of Association of the company.
- Registers of all the beneficial owners, associates, proprietors, and shareholders.
- Evidence of adequate funds for the project security.
Licensing Fees of Zimbabwe Bookmakers
License fees in Zimbabwe are among the highest in the Eastern African region:
- Initial fee of $250,000.
- An annual fee of $50,000 would be due every year.
Gambling Taxes
The following taxes apply to gambling activities:
- Gambling Tax – 15% of the gross gambling yield.
- Online gambling tax – 15% of the gross gambling income.
- Sports betting – 15% of the gross gambling revenue.
- Online Sports Betting Tax – 15% of the Gross Gambling Revenue.
- Lottery Tax – This is a tax levied on the gross gambling revenue and it is 15%.
Additional Taxes
- VAT – Rise from 14. From 5 percent to 15 percent of the spending in the 2023 national budget.
- Corporate Tax – 24. 72%, general to all the companies.
- Withholding Tax on Winnings – 10% on sports betting winnings, 15% on casino winnings, the companies deduct it.
Allowed and Prohibited Bets
The laws that pertain to gambling in Zimbabwe permit the different kinds of betting such as on sports, in casinos, and lotteries. However, specific regulations outline what types of bets are permitted for bookmakers:
- Forbidden Bets – Live betting, betting on delayed events, betting on non-sport events, betting exchanges.
- Prohibited Bets – Specific excluded categories of bets that are not regulated by existing legislation.
Sports Betting in Zimbabwe
Betting on sporting events is legal in Zimbabwe and has been in existence for a while now with well laid down rules and regulations. Sporting events such as soccer, cricket, rugby and other events have been made available by bookmakers for one to place his or her bets.
Sporting Event Glory Milestones
Zimbabwe has had several notable achievements in sports:
- 1980: Women’s Field Hockey team emerged the champions at the Olympic event.
- 2004 & 2008: Swimmer Kirsty Coventry won several Olympic medals; gold, silver and bronze.
- 2005: National rugby team the Sables emerged winners in the Africa Cup.
- 2004: Tennis player Wayne Black of Zimbabwe clinched the men’s doubles title at the Athens Olympic Games in 2004.
- 2001: Cricketer Andy Flower made a double century against India. a record.
Conclusion
Thus, the legal framework of Zimbabwe nowadays regulates numerous types of gambling, including sports betting. The government and the regulatory authorities are still developing, which keeps the industry quite competitive and properly controlled.
More information on Zimbabwe’s gambling laws can be obtained from the Zimbabwe Lotteries and Gambling Board’s website and for the latest information regarding the changes in the laws.
FAQ for Zimbabwe Bookmakers
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