The Lottery and Gaming Fund has become a crucial pillar in driving the socio-economic development of Zimbabwe. The fund aims to fully utilize the economic potential of the gaming industry to provide financial support for national development and social welfare.
Nick Mangwana, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, noted in an article in The Herald that the fund contributes significantly to Zimbabwe's long-term economic sustainability and social welfare by funding infrastructure construction, community development projects, and tax contributions.
The Lottery and Gaming Fund, established under the Lottery and Gaming Act (Chapter 10:26), is regulated by the Lottery and Gaming Commission under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage. Its mission aligns with Zimbabwe's National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), aiming to achieve an upper-middle-income economy by 2030 through strategic resource allocation.
Revenue Sources and Economic Contributions
The fund's income primarily comes from regulated sports betting, lottery, and casino operators through license fees and donations, such as the 10% withholding tax on sports betting winnings. To date, Zimbabwe has issued over 530 gaming licenses, making the gaming industry a significant fiscal source for the government.
Consumer Protection and Community Support
The Lottery and Gaming Commission ensures that licensed operators adhere to responsible gaming principles, including age restrictions and gambling addiction prevention campaigns. Some operators also support local economic development by providing employment opportunities and corporate collaborations.
According to a 2020 survey by the World Lottery Association (WLA), 54% of members, including the Zimbabwe Lottery, actively incorporate consumer protection and data privacy into their corporate social responsibilities. Operators also collaborate with the commission to fund cultural heritage projects, such as the Altena Farm Monument, to promote tourism development and community pride.
To maintain a fair market environment and protect consumers, the government also takes enforcement actions against illegal gambling. In 2023, Minister Kazembe specifically allocated three Toyota GD6 police cars to strengthen the crackdown on unlicensed gambling activities.
Beneficiary Projects of the Fund
The Lottery and Gaming Fund directly supports various community construction projects. For example, the Pupu Clinic in Lupane, Matabeleland North Province, provides basic medical services to rural residents; in Mazowe, the fund supports the construction of new classrooms at Kundai High School, improving the learning environment for students; the Altena Farm Monument promotes cultural heritage and tourism development. In July 2025, the fund donated $6,000 to the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ).
In 2023, the fund allocated $120 million to eight institutions and provided $30 million to the Sports and Recreation Commission to support sports development, demonstrating its commitment to multi-sectoral social responsibility.
Looking to the Future
Mangwana points out that the Lottery and Gaming Fund is a successful model of using gaming revenue to drive national development and social welfare. As the gaming industry evolves towards online platforms, the Lottery and Gaming Commission continuously improves regulatory systems to meet digital challenges and ensures a safe, fair, and sustainable gaming environment through technological innovation.
Through strategic resource allocation, the fund supports Zimbabwe's inclusive development goals, balancing economic growth with social responsibility. As the gaming industry continues to expand, its contributions to healthcare, education, and cultural preservation will continue to play a key role in national progress.
