Zimbabwe’s lawmakers are proposing an increase in the bookmaker levy supporting public services. They are suggesting that the levy be raised from 2 per cent to at least 4 per cent. This proposal aims to expand community projects funded through the Lotteries and Gaming Board (LGB).
The recommendation appears in a report presented by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Defence, Home Affairs, Security Services and War Veterans Affairs. The committee is chaired by Chivi Central Member of Parliament, Cde Exevia Maoneke.
Impact of the existing levy on Zimbabwean communities
The committee found that the current 2 per cent levy is already delivering measurable results. The funds collected by the LGB are supporting projects aligned with national priorities under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
“Interventions by the Lotteries and Gaming Board have significantly improved service delivery in previously underserved communities,” the committee said.
The report from the committee spotlights investments in sectors such as health, education, and cultural preservation. Projects such as Pupu Clinic in Lupane and Harawa Mothers’ Shelter in Zaka show how funds from the gaming industry are being redistributed to rural communities.
Additionally, lawmakers argue that increasing the levy will strengthen the LGB’s resource base. The committee said that by the 30th of next month, the LGB should raise the levy on licensed bookmakers in Zimbabwe.
The objective is to expand coverage and increase impact in marginalised communities. The authorities also want equitable distribution of projects across all provinces by 31 July 2026. Their collaboration with traditional leaders and local councils is expected to improve sustainability.
The report positions the LGB as central to Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 (a national development roadmap initiated by President Mnangagwa’s government to transform the country into an Upper Middle-Income Economy) agenda. Lawmakers see the board as a key factor in inclusive development and infrastructure delivery.
Governance praised, but efficiency gaps remain
The committee acknowledged that the LGB had undergone a significant transformation, extending beyond its regulatory functions into development work. “Lotteries and Gaming Board has emerged as a proactive and transformative agent, extending its mandate far beyond regulatory functions to become a catalyst for community empowerment and national development,” the committee stated.
The committee also highlighted strong alignment with national development priorities. “These initiatives clearly align with the aspirations of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and demonstrate the Board’s commitment to inclusive growth and social upliftment,” said the committee.
Delays, maintenance and accountability concerns
Despite these achievements, there are various issues which may affect future successes. Delays in approval by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works have been identified as one of the reasons for slow project implementation. The committee reported that approvals often take too long, causing missed deadlines.
Maintenance of completed infrastructure is another concern. Beneficiaries sometimes fail to sustain facilities such as clinics and schools, risking long-term value.
Procurement issues also surfaced in the report. “Significant discrepancies in project quotations by contractors raise accountability concerns and pose a serious challenge to the timely execution of scheduled projects,” the committee noted.
Decision-making bottlenecks are putting pressure on the board. “The (LGB) Board of Directors’ sitting schedule, which is limited to only one meeting within four months, creates a bottleneck in decision-making, particularly in cases requiring urgent financial adjustments.”
Wider tax reforms reshape Zimbabwe’s gambling sector
The proposal for a 4 per cent levy comes at a time when there are major reforms underway in Zimbabwe’s gambling industry. Since 1 January 2026, bookmaker taxes were raised from 3 per cent to 20 per cent, while tax on players’ winnings increased from 10 per cent to 25 per cent. These measures formed part of national tax policy, whereas the proposed levy is specifically intended to fund public projects through the LGB.
According to Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, such measures would ensure that the rapidly growing sector made a more meaningful contribution to the economy, while also addressing social risks linked to rising betting activity.
Lawmakers are now working towards making changes that would be consistent with the intended increase in the levy. Faster approval processes, better maintenance, and more oversight are among the next steps that are considered necessary.
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