Zimbabwe Police Target Illegal Betting Shops
- Chipo Basira
- 27 Apr, 2026
Zimbabwe Police Target Illegal Betting Shops
Zimbabwe’s government is shutting down illegal betting shops and online gambling sites across the country.
Officials say the unlicensed businesses are causing loss of tax money and putting people at risk of fraud.
The Lotteries and Gaming Board of Zimbabwe (LGB) met with police, government ministries, and legal gambling companies in Harare this week.
They agreed to work together to stop illegal operators.
The Office of the President and Cabinet, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police are all part of the operation.
LGB chairperson Evgenia Chidhakwa said illegal gambling has grown fast in recent years.
“Many companies are working without a licence. We are now working with the police to stop them,” Chidhakwa said.
Many illegal betting sites are based outside Zimbabwe.
They take money from local players but do not pay tax or follow local rules.
The government says the crackdown will also fight money laundering and gambling addiction.
It wants to protect players and make sure legal businesses are treated fairly.
Allan Choruma, Permanent Secretary in the Corporate Governance Unit, said both business and public safety matter.
“We must balance the needs of business with the needs of the people.
We are worried about money laundering and gambling addiction,” Choruma said.
Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe said the gambling board must protect the public.
“Your job is to control the gambling industry, protect the public, and make sure money from gambling helps the country grow,” Kazembe said.
Police will now carry out licence checks, inspect betting shops, and arrest people running illegal gambling operations.
The government wants four results which are to stop fraud against players, stop money laundering, promote safe gambling, and make sure gambling helps the economy.
Licensed betting companies are expected to benefit from the crackdown as illegal rivals are removed.
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