“Profitability Cannot Override Social Wellbeing”: Zimbabwe’s Efforts to Ensuring Responsible Gambling
During the 116th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show that took place from August 24 to August 29, 2026, the Lotteries and Gaming Board of Zimbabwe (LGB) and the government stood at the forefront of ensuring responsible gambling throughout the country.
Centre stage at the event was the board’s dedicated exhibition, anchored by the campaign theme, “Come Meet the People Behind Responsible Gaming“.
Visitors to the LGB stand received comprehensive information regarding the regulator’s statutory oversight, engaging in direct discussions on the economic benefits alongside the social risks of gambling. Through this interactive platform, the LGB stressed how adherence to safer gambling practices significantly reduces harm to individuals, families, and broader communities.
A primary pillar of the outreach focused on public vigilance. The board educated consumers on identifying unlicensed operators and stressed the critical need to report illegal gaming channels to appropriate law enforcement authorities. Framing this call to action, the initiative carried the explicit message: “Your choices can help shape a safer, more responsible gaming environment in Zimbabwe.“
The LGB’s high-profile presence at the national exhibition was spearheaded by Board Chairperson Dr Eugenia Chidhakwa, alongside Chief Executive Officer Godfrey Mutobaya, Vice Chairman Costain Sabao, and Board Member Fredson Mabhena, who leads the Legal and Compliance Committee.
Throughout the six-day event, the executive leadership conducted tours of the exhibition stand, engaging directly with public attendees, commercial entities, and gaming industry operators. According to the board, the agricultural show provided a strategic touchpoint to demonstrate its regulatory functions and establish direct rapport with the public.
Also present at the 2026 exhibition was the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Kazembe Kazembe. Addressing the gathering, the minister emphasised the primary obligation of gaming operators to actively champion responsible gambling and maintain strict regulatory alignment.
“There’s a moral obligation to conduct public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the risks of excessive gambling and to promote a culture of moderation and responsibility,” Minister Kazembe stated. “Operators must recognise that profitability cannot be pursued at the expense of social wellbeing. In view of the emerging illegal operations in the gaming industry, I want to be very categorical and clear that my ministry and all the enforcement machinery will not rest until sanity prevails and ensure compliance is strengthened to deal with this situation without fear or favour.”
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Held at the exhibition grounds in Harare, the 2026 Zimbabwe Agricultural Show ran under the theme “Powering Growth: Where Agriculture, Technology and Commerce Converge“. The 116th edition achieved full exhibition hall capacity, hosting 640 exhibitors, an increase from the 613 participants recorded in the previous year. By deploying its campaign within a multi-sector gathering of this scale, the LGB effectively reached an audience far beyond standard gaming circles.
Established under the Lotteries and Gaming Act, the LGB holds statutory responsibility for regulating, controlling, and supervising all lottery and gaming operations in Zimbabwe. Its executive purview includes evaluating, issuing, renewing, transferring, and terminating operating licenses.
The combined efforts of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage and the LGB at the 2026 show highlight an intensifying government commitment toward market compliance.
