Key Takeaways
Contents
- Parliamentary committee in Zimbabwe seeks to increase the levy on betting operators from 2% to 4% for community infrastructure projects.
- The recommendation emerged after legislators examined development initiatives funded by the Lotteries and Gaming Board across multiple regions.
- In January 2026, Zimbabwe implemented substantial tax increases: bookmaker tax rose from 3% to 20%, while bettor winnings tax jumped from 10% to 25%.
- The revised bookmaker tax serves as a final levy, eliminating the separate Corporate Income Tax requirement for gambling establishments.
- The betting sector in Zimbabwe produced approximately $120 million in revenue during 2023, with active online participants exceeding 300,000 by 2024.
Zimbabwean legislators are advocating for a substantial increase in the levy imposed on licensed betting operators, seeking to raise it from the current 2% to a minimum of 4%. This initiative aims to provide the Lotteries and Gaming Board with enhanced financial resources for community-focused development initiatives throughout the nation.
The proposal emerged following a comprehensive parliamentary assessment of LGB-financed initiatives in various regions, including Mutasa, Gutu, Zaka, Lupane, and Kadoma. Legislative representatives emphasized that revenue generated through regulated gambling activities has already contributed to enhanced healthcare delivery and educational opportunities in previously marginalized communities.
“The committee recommended that the levy collected from licensed bookmakers be increased from 2 per cent to at least 4 per cent to strengthen the Board’s resource base,” the parliamentary report said, according to NewsDay.
According to existing regulations, betting operators contribute a 2% levy. From this amount, 1.8% is allocated specifically toward community development initiatives.
This levy operates independently from standard gambling taxation and additional operator requirements. Parliamentary officials highlighted that the board has evolved beyond its initial regulatory mandate and now actively participates in reducing healthcare access barriers and boosting school participation rates.
Major Tax Structure Changes Already Implemented
The suggested levy adjustment builds upon an extensive gambling taxation restructuring that became operational in January 2026. These reforms elevated the bookmaker tax from 3% to 20% and raised the taxation rate on player winnings from 10% to 25%.
Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube unveiled these modifications during the 2026 National Budget address in Harare. He explained that the revised bookmaker tax would function as a conclusive levy.
This arrangement means gambling operators, lottery providers, and casino establishments are no longer subject to Corporate Income Tax obligations. The transition represents a significant 17-percentage-point escalation for industry operators.
“The tax hike is meant to enhance fairness and ensure that the beneficiaries of the sector’s growth also contribute meaningfully to public revenue,” Ncube said at the time.
These regulatory changes demonstrate a governmental strategy to secure greater revenue from a rapidly expanding industry. Legislative officials seem committed to directing these funds toward enhancing public infrastructure and services.
Zimbabwe’s Betting Sector Experiences Significant Expansion
The betting industry in Zimbabwe has witnessed considerable growth over recent years. During 2023, the sector produced approximately $120 million in total revenue.
Digital platforms contributed $45 million to that figure. By 2024, the country had more than 300,000 individuals actively participating in online betting activities.
The majority of these participants fall within the 18 to 35 age bracket. This demographic has propelled annual sector growth approaching 10%.
Digital betting platforms now represent the most rapidly expanding component of Zimbabwe’s gambling landscape. The migration toward online participation has been a primary catalyst behind governmental initiatives to implement elevated taxes and levies.
The parliamentary committee observed that LGB-supported initiatives have strengthened maternal healthcare services and broadened service availability in areas that previously experienced limited access. Legislative officials view the increased levy as a mechanism to expand these programs.
The 4% levy recommendation requires completion of the full legislative approval process before implementation. Officials have not established a definitive schedule for the final parliamentary vote on this measure.
Zimbabwe’s betting market currently has over 300,000 active online users, with the industry posting nearly 10% annual growth driven largely by bettors aged 18 to 35.
