Zimbabwe approves Lotteries and Gaming Amendment Bill to enhance regulation and responsible gambling

On August 28th, the Cabinet of Zimbabwe approved the principles of the Lotteries and Gaming Amendment Bill, with the goal of regulating the nation's lotteries and gaming industry and encouraging responsible gaming practices.

Local media reported that during a post-Cabinet media briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr. Jenfan Muswere noted that the bill had been presented by the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Kazembe Kazembe.

Dr. Muswere noted that the amendment would change the name of the Lotteries and Gaming Board to the Gaming Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe. He explained that the bill includes anti-money laundering regulations designed to enhance consumer protection and ensure accountability within gambling companies through financial penalties and other sanctions.

The minister emphasized that the board's functions would be expanded to provide greater enforcement powers for compliance, and the terms of office for board members would be adjusted to align with existing governance standards. He also highlighted that all board members and senior staff would be required to declare their assets within specified timeframes to promote transparency and avoid conflicts of interest.

Additionally, Dr. Muswere mentioned that the board would be tasked with establishing an electronic system to monitor gambling operations and ensure accurate revenue and tax computations. He warned that operators failing to comply with these requirements could face fines or imprisonment.