Online casinos exist in a regulatory gray area in Zimbabwe, where gambling is legal under the Lotteries and Gaming Act (Chapter 10:26) but online gaming lacks specific legislation. The Lotteries and Gaming Board (LGB) regulates and controls lottery and gaming activities throughout the country, requiring operators to obtain proper licensing for traditional gambling operations (1). However, the current gambling law in Zimbabwe lacks any legal definitions of online gambling and how it should be regulated, creating uncertainty for both operators and players.
The government regulates gambling activities, from land-based to online, through the Lotteries and Gaming Board of Zimbabwe, which oversees licensing and operations for casinos, lotteries, sports betting, and other gaming services. Licensed operators are expected to act in conformity with established regulations and pay appropriate taxes (2). The legal gambling age in Zimbabwe is 18 years, and winners must pay 15% taxes on prizes, but the regulatory framework primarily addresses traditional gambling rather than digital platforms.
"The government regulates the gambling activities, from land-based to online, through the Lotteries and Gaming Board of Zimbabwe, which regulates licensing and operations for casinos, lotteries, sports betting, and other gaming services."
Despite the lack of specific online gambling legislation, Section 31 of the Lotteries and Gaming Act provides penalties for unlicensed gaming activities, with fines up to $400, imprisonment for up to one year, or both for organizers and participants. The government has shown increased interest in regulating the gambling sector, recently cracking down on illegal gambling operations. While players can access international online casinos, the absence of clear regulatory frameworks means they operate without local player protections or government oversight that would typically accompany licensed domestic operators.
Source:
https://lgb.co.zw/
https://cms.law/en/int/expert-guides/cms-expert-guide-to-gambling-laws-in-africa/zimbabwe
Last updated: 18-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
