Zambia debates betting location regulations amid rising social risks

The Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA) has urged the government to regulate the locations of betting companies, citing concerns about their concentration in vulnerable areas.

At ZICA’s year-end briefing, President Yande Siame Mwenye emphasized the need to evaluate policies addressing gambling addiction. She highlighted Zambia’s high poverty and unemployment rates, which often drive people to gambling as a last resort, and called for regulations to protect economically vulnerable groups.

ZICA also supported the government’s 10 percent excise duty on betting amounts, introduced in the 2025 budget. Mwenye noted the tax could curb excessive gambling and expand revenue but stressed the need for ongoing reviews of its impact.

Under the policy, 10 percent is deducted from each wager, and winnings face an additional 15 percent tax. For instance, a K100 bet results in K90 for wagering and K10 as tax.

Zambia’s gambling industry, covering lotteries, sports betting, and casinos, is regulated by the Lotteries Act and Betting Control Act. ZICA continues to advocate for policies balancing economic growth with social responsibility.