Paul Nyathi, spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police said, “Police officers in uniform must not enter betting shops or casinos to gamble. This does not portray the police in good light, and such behaviour is strongly discouraged. Anyone caught doing so will face disciplinary action.”

The announcement has gained support from the country’s betting and casino operators, who say they already have rules in place to stop uniformed officers and soldiers from gambling at their venues.

They argue that such a measure helps keep the environment comfortable for all customers.

The gambling sector in Zimbabwe has grown rapidly in recent years, creating jobs and contributing to government revenue.

At a recent National Forum on Responsible Betting in Harare, industry leaders, policymakers, and regulators discussed how to manage the rise in gambling responsibly while reducing harm.

They called for stronger regulations to stop illegal betting and ensure that gambling remains a safe and well-managed activity.

Dr Misheck Chingozha, head of the Lotteries and Gaming Board, said gambling is now being seen in a new light.

“The view that gambling is evil is fast disappearing. It’s now a significant contributor to livelihoods and national economies,” he said.

The image for this story was AI-generated.

The amendments were made as part of changes to the Law on Permits and several related laws, including the Criminal Code, the Law on Advertising, and tax regulations.

Under this new directive, anyone found running an illegal gambling or betting operation or helping to do so by sharing personal accounts, mobile numbers, or digital wallets can now be prosecuted under criminal law.

Authorities say the ban is meant to close legal loopholes and stop the rapid growth of unregulated online gambling platforms, which have raised concerns about addiction, fraud, and their impact on vulnerable groups, especially the youth.

Advertising paid lotteries and betting games is now also illegal.

The revised laws hold both individuals and companies accountable if they promote gambling or encourage children to take part in it.

This includes digital promotions or influencer-led campaigns targeting young audiences on social media .

The new rules come as Mongolia also approved its financial planning documents for the next three years, including a government debt strategy and budget forecasts.

Officials said tighter regulation of online gambling is part of wider efforts to ensure financial stability and reduce risky economic behaviour.

The government had previously faced criticism for lacking strong controls over digital betting, which has become more accessible due to the rise of mobile apps and digital payments.

According to lawmakers, these changes mark a firm step toward protecting public welfare and promoting responsible use of technology .