In a significant legislative move aimed at redistributing the wealth generated by the nation’s booming betting sector, lawmakers in Zimbabwe have formally proposed doubling the levy on licensed bookmakers from 2% to at least 4%.
The initiative is designed to bolster the Lotteries and Gaming Board (LGB) resource base, directly funding the construction and maintenance of clinics, schools, and training centers in underserved rural districts.
Community Impact and Regulatory Success
The recommendation follows a comprehensive parliamentary review of LGB-funded projects in districts such as Mutasa, Gutu, Zaka, Lupane, and Kadoma. Legislators highlighted that revenue from regulated gaming has already played a primary role in reducing travel distances for patients and improving school enrollment rates.
According to a report by NewsDay, the parliamentary committee was definitive in its assessment:
“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 interventions by the LGB have significantly improved service delivery in previously underserved communities.”
Currently, of the 2% levy paid by Zimbabwe bookmakers, 1.8% is funneled into community projects. This contribution remains separate from standard gambling taxes, positioning the LGB as a vital social institution rather than just a regulatory body.
A New Era of Gambling Tax Reform
This proposal aligns with Zimbabwe’s broader tax overhaul that took effect in January 2026. Under the new regime, bookmaker tax rose from 3% to 20%, and the tax on player winnings increased from 10% to 25%. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube previously framed these hikes as a move toward “final tax” status, exempting operators from Corporate Income Tax while ensuring they contribute meaningfully to the national budget.
The industry continues to expand rapidly, generating approximately $120 million in 2023. With over 300,000 active online bettors, primarily aged between 18 and 35, Zimbabwe’s digital betting segment is growing at nearly 10% annually, making it the fastest-growing niche in the domestic market.
Lawmakers believe that doubling the levy now is essential to ensuring that the digital shift in consumer habits translates into tangible social progress.
