Zambia’s Gaming Association launches nationwide inspections of betting operators, warning over youth addiction and illegal machines

The Zambia Gaming Association says inspection teams—working with enforcement agencies and local councils—will check licensing compliance nationwide and confiscate illegal machines as concerns grow over gambling dependency among young people.

The Zambia Gaming Association (ZGA) has announced a nationwide inspection exercise targeting betting and gaming operators, saying rapid sector growth is being accompanied by visible signs of rising gambling dependency, particularly among younger audiences.

According to ZGA President Noah Malungila, the inspections will focus on whether operators are complying with licensing conditions and whether unlawful gaming activity is taking place. ZGA says the operation will involve several public bodies, including the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), the Immigration Department, and local councils.

ZGA states that any illegal gaming machines identified will be confiscated and placed into council-approved storage facilities/warehouses, signalling a “seize-and-secure” approach rather than warnings only.

The move follows a meeting between ZGA and officials from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, while the association’s Secretary-General Darius Sinkamba said enforcement teams would begin operations immediately and that any operator found in breach would face action.

With betting in Zambia regulated through the Betting Control and Licensing Board alongside relevant ministries, the inspections are positioned as a coordinated push to protect market credibility by tightening compliance and reducing illegal supply—especially as public concern grows about gambling harm.