Zimbabwe's online gambling market is rapidly rising, becoming an important part of the country's economic diversification and digital transformation. With the increase in internet penetration and the popularity of mobile payments, online gambling is becoming increasingly popular among Zimbabwe's youth and urban residents.
According to the "Zimbabwe Online Gambling Market Research Report," the market size reached $54.56 million in 2023, with mobile gambling revenues at $34.92 million, and user penetration is expected to reach 28% by 2027.
The growth of online gambling not only provides new sources of tax revenue for the government but also promotes the development of related industries. For example, in 2025, the government will impose a 10% withholding tax on sports betting winnings to strengthen the regulation of the gambling industry and increase fiscal revenue. Additionally, online gambling platforms create local employment opportunities and promote the development of digital payments and financial technology.
However, the rapid development of online gambling also brings regulatory challenges. Zimbabwe's "Lotteries and Gambling Act" (Chapter 10:26) has been in place since 1998, primarily targeting traditional offline gambling forms and has not timely covered online gambling activities. This has led to the emergence of some illegal online gambling platforms, which may pose threats to consumer rights and market order.
To address these challenges, the Zimbabwean government and the Lotteries and Gambling Commission are actively promoting the modernization of the regulatory framework. In 2024, the government proposed the "Lotteries and Gambling Amendment Bill," aimed at introducing anti-money laundering provisions, promoting responsible gambling, and consumer protection. Additionally, the commission has also strengthened the regulation of online payment channels to ensure the security and transparency of gambling transactions.
Looking ahead, Zimbabwe's online gambling market is expected to continue to grow. With improvements in internet infrastructure and the proliferation of digital services, online gambling will become an important engine for national economic development. However, achieving this goal requires joint efforts from the government, regulatory bodies, and the industry to establish comprehensive laws and regulations to ensure the healthy development of the market.
In conclusion, Zimbabwe's online gambling market has great development potential but also faces regulatory and compliance challenges. Only through continuous policy innovation and regulatory improvement can the economic and social value of this emerging industry be fully unleashed.
