Zimbabwe Introduces 10% Tax on Sports Betting Winnings

Zimbabwe’s sports betting industry faces a major shift as the government introduces a 10% tax on winnings.

This new policy targets the rapidly growing betting sector, a favorite pastime among the country’s youth.

Learn how this tax aligns with broader regulatory reforms aimed at ensuring compliance and generating substantial national revenue.

Discover the potential implications for bettors, operators, and Zimbabwe’s evolving gambling landscape.

Zimbabwe Imposes 10% Tax on Sports Betting Winnings: A Move to Boost Revenue

Key Points:

1. 10% Tax on Sports Betting Winnings: Starting January 2025, all sports betting winnings in Zimbabwe will be subject to a 10% withholding tax.
2. A Booming Industry: The government cites the rapid growth of sports betting among youth and increased activity from betting shops and online platforms.
3. Complementary Regulatory Reforms: The tax aligns with new gambling laws under the Lotteries and Gaming Amendment Bill, promoting accountability and responsible gaming.

Zimbabwe’s 10% Tax on Sports Betting Winnings: A Game-Changer for the Industry

In a significant development for Zimbabwe’s booming sports betting sector, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has introduced a 10% withholding tax on gross winnings. Announced during the 2025 National Budget presentation, this tax will take effect on 1 January 2025.

The government plans to tax all betting winnings, regardless of their size, marking the first time sports betting income will fall under personal income tax regulations.

Why the Tax?

Ncube highlighted the immense popularity of sports betting in Zimbabwe, particularly among the youth. The proliferation of betting shops and online platforms demonstrates the sector’s rapid expansion, creating a lucrative revenue stream for the government.

“The betting industry is growing, as indicated by the proliferation of sports betting houses across the country,” Ncube said.

This tax aims to bring punters—sports bettors—into the tax net, ensuring that their income from winnings contributes to national revenue. The move also aligns with Zimbabwe’s broader strategy to enhance tax compliance in emerging economic sectors.

The government has not disclosed exact revenue projections, but the policy is expected to generate substantial income to support its ambitious GDP growth target of 6% in 2025, up from 2% in 2024.

Strengthening Gambling Regulation

The 10% tax complements ongoing reforms in Zimbabwe’s gambling sector, particularly through the Lotteries and Gaming Amendment Bill approved in August. This legislation aims to:

• Strengthen compliance requirements for gambling operators.
• Implement anti-money laundering measures to curb illegal activities.
• Introduce consumer protections and promote responsible gambling practices.
• Rebrand the Lotteries and Gaming Board as the Gaming Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe, granting it expanded enforcement powers to ensure operator accountability.

These reforms underscore Zimbabwe’s commitment to creating a transparent and well-regulated gambling industry.

Implications for Bettors and Operators

The new tax and accompanying regulations represent a paradigm shift for Zimbabwe’s sports betting ecosystem:

• For Punters: Bettors will see their winnings reduced by 10% before payout, requiring them to consider the financial impact on their betting strategies.
• For Operators: Increased scrutiny and compliance measures will demand robust systems to manage taxation and regulatory adherence, potentially increasing operational costs.

However, the tax could also drive bettors toward unregulated gambling platforms, an issue the government must address through effective enforcement and public education.

Zimbabwe’s 10% tax on sports betting winnings reflects the government’s focus on leveraging the sector for economic growth while ensuring responsible gambling. Combined with the Lotteries and Gaming Amendment Bill, this move signals a step toward creating a sustainable and well-regulated gambling industry.

As the January 2025 implementation date approaches, both bettors and operators must prepare for the new financial and regulatory landscape. By striking a balance between revenue generation and consumer protection, Zimbabwe could set a precedent for managing emerging sectors in its economy.