Zimbabwe to sharply increase gambling taxes from 1 January 2026

Zimbabwe will overhaul its gambling tax regime from 1 January 2026, raising bookmakers’ tax from 3% to 20% and hiking the levy on players’ winnings from 10% to 25% in a bid to boost revenue and curb social harms tied to rapid industry growth.

Zimbabwe’s government has announced a major reshaping of its gambling tax structure that will take effect on 1 January 2026. Under the new regime, the tax on bookmakers will jump from the current 3% to 20%, significantly increasing the fiscal burden on betting operators. At the same time, the tax on players’ winnings will rise from 10% to 25%, meaning a much larger share of payouts will be withheld for the state.

Authorities say the reform has two core objectives: to raise additional public revenue and to address social risks associated with a fast-expanding gambling market. By making betting less financially attractive and channelling more funds into the public coffers, the government hopes to contain problem gambling while capturing a greater share of the value generated by the sector.

For operators and punters alike, the changes will reshape the economics of the Zimbabwean betting landscape from 2026, with margins, payout structures and player behaviour all likely to come under pressure as the higher rates take effect.