HOME Affairs and Cultural Heritage minister Kazembe Kazembe has warned individuals and entities establishing gaming operations, setting up casinos and gaming shops without following proper processes of the law.
He said the government would not tolerate unlawful gaming activities within the country’s borders.
In a statement this week, Kazembe said operating casinos and gaming shops without approval from the Lotteries and Gaming Board of Zimbabwe was illegal.
He said this was in contravention of section 31 of the Lotteries and Gaming Act [Chapter 10:26] and posed threats to public safety as unsuspecting individuals were targeted victims of these practices.
“It has come to the notice and attention of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage that certain individuals and entities are establishing gaming operations and setting up gaming shops and/or casinos without approval from the Lotteries and Gaming Board of Zimbabwe as required by the law,” Kazembe said.
“Setting up of betting shops or casinos without the prerequisite approvals and conducting unsanctioned gaming operations is illegal.
“It also poses a serious risk to unsuspecting people of Zimbabwe who are the targets and victims of this flagrant violation of the law.”
Kazembe said the law would not spare those found carrying out the illegal operations while the Lotteries and Gaming Board would take measures against illegal gaming operations in the country.
- Govt reinstates passport application fee
- Govt reinstates passport application fee
- Zesa losing $1.4 billion to crooks
- Govt reinstates passport application fee
Keep Reading
He said the board would also shut down the unlicensed casinos, gaming shops and other betting facilities.
“The ministry has also noted that some unscrupulous operators have built or equipped casinos without the enabling documents from the Lotteries and Gaming Board.
“The government will not tolerate any unlawful gaming activities within the borders of the country. Any persons and organisations found wanting in this regard will face the full wrath of the law.
“The public is urged to report such operations to the Lotteries and Gaming Board or to the nearest police station.”
Kazembe said the gaming board, working with key enforcement agents in Zimbabwe, would take the most robust enforcement actions against any illegal gaming operations.
“This will result in the immediate shutdown of any unlicensed casinos, gaming shops, or other betting facilities, as well as the prosecution of those responsible,” he said.
