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Zimbabwe’s gambling industry is impressively growing at a robust rate of 8.5% in 2023. The sector plays a significant role in the overall socio-economic development of the country, attracting both locals and tourists. The rise of the gambling industry in Zimbabwe not only contributes to the increase in government revenue, but also creates new jobs and stimulates the development of related sectors of the economy. 

Development of the gambling industry in Zimbabwe: factors and trends

Zimbabwe’s gambling industry showed an impressive growth rate of 8.5% in 2023. Currently, tourism remains the largest entertainment industry in the country, but the casino industry has also been growing strongly in recent years. This is not surprising given the legalization status of gambling in Zimbabwe, creating a favorable environment for the development of the gambling sector.

According to Bulawayo24 News, the growth rate of the gambling industry in Zimbabwe stood at 8.5% as of May 2023, which remains an important indicator in the context of gambling in the country. Compared to the overall growth of the gambling industry across the continent of Africa, which stood at 12%, Zimbabwe is also showing notable success and potential for further development.

The internet is driving the development of gambling by increasing the convenience and accessibility of gambling, which in turn helps to expand the audience and increase the potential for development of the sector in Zimbabwe.

Of course, the fact that there are many young Zimbabweans among gambling fans is not very encouraging. After all, very often people of this age group do not give due account of their actions and lose too much money.

How things are in the “neighbors”

Gambling in Africa is not a new trend, but its popularity is rapidly increasing, spreading to various countries on the continent. Zimbabwe, although legalized gambling, is not the only player in this area on the African continent:

South Africa – is leading the way thanks to the legalization of gambling back in 1996 with the approval of the “National Gambling Act”. The regulation provides for a gambling licensing system and effective monitoring, promoting responsible gambling.

Kenya has also joined the ranks of countries where gambling is legalized through the existence of the Betting, Lotteries and Gambling Act. Despite a thriving betting market, Kenya faces constant tension between betting operators and the government.

Nigeria passed the National Lottery Act in 2005, which led to the legalization of gambling in the country. The Nigerian government maintains a liberal approach to gambling in an effort to capitalize on the potential of the country’s gambling industry.

Which games are particularly popular

In the variety of gambling entertainment in Africa, traditional forms such as bingo and slot machines retain their popularity. Despite the presence of offline casinos, online casinos play a significant role in the development of the industry. Many offline establishments are expanding into online gambling given the greater availability of online platforms.

In Zimbabwe, well-known global brands are very popular in the gambling market. Many Zimbabweans choose Melbet, 1win or Mostbet Sign Up to start sports betting and try their luck at gambling. The market is becoming increasingly active, as is the case with the rest of the region.

However, sports betting has played a significant role in the growth of the gambling industry. The popularity of sports betting in Africa is attributed to the continent’s passion for soccer, which provides fans with a unique experience that resembles the excitement of anticipating a win. Virtual platforms and online bookmakers provide the opportunity to bet on a variety of sports, which actively attracts new players and stimulates the development of the gambling industry in the region, unlike in the UK where bookmakers are trying to be banished from big sport. This seems strange considering the sums that sports betting brings in for the Premier League.