Zimbabwe’s Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture Portfolio Committee has put forward a significant proposal: to transfer the Lotteries and Gaming Board (LGB) from the Ministry of Home Affairs to the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture. This move is coupled with a recommendation for a statutory allocation of gaming revenue dedicated to sports development.
Committee chairperson Farai Jere presented the proposal during a panel discussion at the 2027 Pre-Budget Seminar held in Bulawayo. He argued that the betting industry is heavily reliant on sporting activities, yet sports organisations and facilities in the country continue to grapple with severe financial constraints. The recommendation aims to consolidate the administration of relevant gaming legislation and oversight of the LGB under the Sports Ministry.
However, the proposed transfer has met with opposition from Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe, who defended the Board’s current administrative structure. Kazembe asserted that the LGB’s improved performance stems from stronger leadership and management, rather than a need for a change in ministerial oversight. He also questioned whether the Sports Ministry truly required the Board’s transfer to access funding, suggesting that financial support could be provided without altering the regulator’s reporting structure.
Key Players Involved
- Farai Jere: Chairperson of the Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture Portfolio Committee, advocating for the transfer and revenue allocation.
- Kazembe Kazembe: Minister of Home Affairs, opposing the transfer and defending the current structure of the Lotteries and Gaming Board.
- Jacob Mudenda: Speaker of Parliament, supporting the recommendation for the transfer.
Event Timeline
- November 10, 2026: Proposal presented at the 2027 Pre-Budget Seminar.
- January 2025: Tax on punters’ gross winnings introduced at 10%.
- January 1, 2026: Tax on punters’ gross winnings increased to 25%.
