Police Officers in Zimbabwe have been strictly barred from entering betting shops or gambling in casinos while in uniform, according to a statement by national police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi. The announcement was made during the inaugural National Forum on Responsible Betting, held at Alex Sports Club in Harare over the weekend.
The forum brought together key players in Zimbabwe’s rapidly expanding betting industry, including government officials, casino and betting operators, regulators, and media representatives. The event was jointly organised by the Lotteries and Gaming Board and the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, and aimed to foster responsible betting practices and address growing concerns around gambling addiction, fraud, and unethical conduct.
Commissioner Nyathi expressed concern over social media images showing uniformed officers engaging in gambling activities. He warned that such behaviour damages the image and credibility of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and goes against official conduct policies.
“Police officers in uniform are not allowed to enter betting shops or gamble, whether in public or private establishments,” said Comm Nyathi. “Any officer caught violating this directive will face disciplinary action. We will not tolerate conduct that undermines the integrity of the force.”
Zimbabwe Police Officers Banned from Betting in Uniform as Authorities Push for Responsible Gambling
He clarified that while the ZRP conducts compliance checks at gambling establishments, only specialised units are authorised to do so — and they must operate in teams, not as individuals casually entering gaming outlets under the pretense of inspection.
Betting operators were also urged to comply with the law, particularly the requirement to bar individuals under the age of 18 from placing bets. Commissioner Nyathi emphasized that all operators must ensure they are not unknowingly contributing to societal harm by failing to follow regulations.
Casino and betting operators present at the forum confirmed that their internal policies already prohibit entry to police officers and military personnel who appear in uniform. They reiterated their commitment to ethical business practices and pledged full cooperation with law enforcement agencies and regulators.
The conference highlighted both the promise and perils of Zimbabwe’s growing betting industry. The sector has created numerous jobs and contributed to government revenue, but has also exposed citizens to risks such as gambling addiction and financial ruin when not properly regulated.
A recent high-profile case was cited during the discussions — that of William Gonese, a 28-year-old former shift manager at Baker’s Inn. Gonese was sentenced to 10 years in prison after stealing US$3,420 from his employer to finance a growing addiction to the popular betting game Kandege (Aviator). His case was presented as a cautionary tale on how gambling can spiral out of control without adequate safeguards.
However, industry representatives were quick to point out that not all criminal activities attributed to gambling are directly linked to betting itself. Some, they argued, misuse the gambling narrative to justify unrelated misconduct.
Ambassador Raphael Faranisi, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, delivered remarks on behalf of the government. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to creating a responsible and transparent gaming ecosystem.
“This forum marks a convergence of values and a shared vision for transformation,” said Ambassador Faranisi. “We are currently reviewing gaming legislation to ensure our regulatory framework is robust, ethical, and in line with global best practices.”
He acknowledged the sector’s growing contribution to national development, while cautioning that its expansion must not come at the cost of public well-being.
Dr. Eugenia Chidhakwa, Chairperson of the Lotteries and Gaming Board, also addressed the forum. She outlined recent steps taken by the board to regulate the increasingly digitised industry, including amendments to the Lotteries and Gaming Act to cover online gaming.
“As betting evolves, our regulatory approach must evolve too,” said Dr. Chidhakwa. “We are committed to ensuring fair, safe, and responsible gaming experiences for all participants.”
Dr. Misheck Chingozha, CEO of the board, presented a more optimistic outlook, arguing that gambling is no longer stigmatised as it once was.
“The outdated view that gambling is inherently bad is being replaced by a more balanced understanding,” said Dr. Chingozha. “This industry is a source of income, employment, and entertainment for many Zimbabweans.”
Zimpapers board member Mrs. Sibly Madzikanda pledged continued media support in promoting messages of responsible gambling. Veteran sports editor Robson Sharuko echoed the sentiment, calling for moderation and respect for a sector that now plays a legitimate role in the national economy.
“People often ridicule gamblers, but betting has become a full-fledged industry,” Sharuko said. “Responsibility must be at the heart of its growth.”
The conference closed with broad agreement on the need for greater oversight, ethical practices, and enhanced collaboration between stakeholders. The goal: to ensure that the betting industry grows in a way that benefits Zimbabwe without compromising social stability and public trust.
Source- Bulawayo24
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