Zambia Cabinet approves bill to overhaul outdated gaming framework

The Zambian Cabinet has, in principle, approved the introduction of a Bill to repeal several outdated laws governing the country’s gaming and lotteries sector, RCV News has learned. The decision was made during the 11th Cabinet meeting held on Monday, June 23, 2025.

According to a statement issued by Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa, the proposed Bill seeks to overhaul legislation by repealing the Betting and Totalizator Control Act No. 13 of 1994, State Lotteries Act Cap 328, Pools Act Cap 165, Gaming and Machines (Prohibition) Act Cap 92, Tourism and Hospitality Act No. 23 of 2007, and Lotteries Act Cap 163. The aim is to modernize the legal and institutional framework overseeing the gaming and lotteries sector.

Mweetwa, who also serves as Minister of Information and Media, said the existing laws have become obsolete given the rapid growth of the industry and advancements in digital technologies. He noted that while the sector already encompasses casino gambling, payout machines, sports betting, and lotteries, the expansion into online gambling has created regulatory gaps that the current legal framework fails to address.

“The industry has grown significantly, with more casinos, lottery operators, and betting companies entering the market, while the legal and supervisory frameworks have remained largely unchanged,” Mweetwa told RCV News.

In the same meeting, Cabinet also approved, in principle, the introduction of a Bill to repeal the Public Roads Act No. 12 of 2002. Mweetwa explained that the repeal is intended to update the legislation to better reflect national development needs, improve road safety, and enhance the sustainable management of road infrastructure. The revised law would also address inconsistencies in axle load control and the functions of the Road Development Agency.

Additionally, Cabinet approved the issuance of the Zambia Institute of Secretaries (Registration) Regulations, 2025. Mweetwa said the new regulations aim to establish a clear registration process for members, addressing a gap left by the absence of binding procedures under the current framework.