Zimbabwe warns… online gambling is illegal

The Zimbabwean Lotteries and Gaming Board (ZLGB) is looking to clamp down on online gambling, warning in a public announcement that internet gaming, betting and lotteries are illegal as published in the Lotteries and Gaming Act, chapter 10:26 and the Betting and Totalisator Control ActChapter 10:02.

“Please note that there are no internet bookmakers, lottery, totalisators, casino licensees in Zimbabwe,” the LGB announcement said. “Therefore members of the public, banks and other financial intermediaries ought to be vigilant and report any such activities to the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Lotteries and Gaming Board for law enforcement.”

But the Zimbabwe Home Affairs led ZLGB has limited recourse in terms of offshore operators as its jurisdictional reach only stretches to local companies, The Herald newspaper opines.

Observers note Zimbabwe’s archaic laws should be overhauled to embrace an online gambling licensing and tax regime which would benefit the cash-strapped country.