By Ziyah News Network Reporter
The Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Hon. Kazembe Kazembe has cautioned sprouting gaming shops that are operating without approval of the Gaming and Lotteries Board of Zimbabwe to either stop or risk the long arm of the law catching up with them.
With the lure of the US$ and the country struggling on the employment creation front, the gaming industry in Zimbabwe has boomed, the blossoming and the lucrative profits accrued has given rise for opportunists who have gone on to operate without proper paper work. Some of them have been in the news and even the courts for duping punters who would have won.
In light of this, the Ministry in charge of the Gaming Industry in Zimbabwe has moved in to try and restore order and ensure punters are not victims of chancers.
“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 the approval from the Lotteries and Gaming Board of Zimbabwe as required by the law. Section 31 of the Lotteries and Gaming Act Chapter 10:26 prohibits such conduct. 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 public safety as the unsuspecting people of Zimbabwe are the targets and victims of this flagrant violation of the law.”
The Minister restated that Government will not fold its hands and watch the flagrant disregard of the law that prejudices the public.
“The Government will not tolerate any unlawful gaming activities within the borders of the country. Any persons or organizations 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.” According to the Minister’s statement, the Gaming Board working with key enforcement agents in the country, will take the most robust enforcement actions against any and all illegal gaming operations. Immediate shut down of any unlicensed casinos, gaming shops, or other betting facilities, as well as the prosecution of those responsible will be the next action