Uniformed police officers are prohibited from entering betting shops or casinos to participate in gambling, according to national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi.

He made the remarks during the H-Metro National Forum on Responsible Betting, held in Harare over the weekend.

The event, hosted at Alex Sports Club, brought together key players in Zimbabwe’s growing betting industry, along with government representatives and regulatory bodies such as the Lotteries and Gaming Board.

The core message delivered was the need for responsible gambling practices to avoid personal and societal harm.

Commissioner Nyathi addressed growing concerns over images circulating on social media that show uniformed officers placing bets inside gambling outlets.

He stated that such behavior tarnishes the image of the police force and contravenes professional conduct standards.

While some attendees suggested that officers may have entered the shops to inspect compliance, Nyathi clarified that enforcement is the role of a designated unit, which operates collectively—not individually.

He warned that any officers caught breaching this regulation will face disciplinary action. Nyathi also cautioned betting operators against allowing underage individuals—anyone under 18—to enter their establishments or participate in gambling, which violates Zimbabwean law.

The forum highlighted growing concerns about problem gambling. A recent case was cited involving a 28-year-old shift manager at Baker’s Inn, William Gonese, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for stealing over US$3,400 from his employer to fuel a gambling habit.

His involvement with a game known locally as Kandege (also referred to as Aviator) was said to have motivated the theft, reportedly in an effort to impress his new spouse.

Industry stakeholders, however, argued that gambling is often unfairly blamed for crimes that may be unrelated. In some instances, investigations have shown that individuals accused of gambling-related offenses had no actual betting activity recorded.

The forum was part of a broader effort to bring together all stakeholders to examine the ethical, legal, and economic dimensions of the betting industry.

Many agreed that while the sector has opened up employment opportunities and economic gains, it also poses risks that require careful regulation and public education.

Representing the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Director Prisca Madziviridze delivered remarks on behalf of Permanent Secretary Ambassador Raphael Faranisi.

He described the event as a platform for aligning values and building a gaming ecosystem that is well-regulated and socially responsible.

He noted the ministry’s commitment to revising legislation in line with international standards and Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).

Dr. Eugenia Chidhakwa, Chairperson of the Lotteries and Gaming Board, acknowledged the sector’s rapid growth and stressed the importance of updating regulations to ensure transparency and player protection. She confirmed that amendments to the Lotteries and Gaming Act (Chapter 10:26) now include provisions for online gaming.

Lotteries and Gaming Board CEO, Dr. Misheck Chingozha, added that public perceptions of gambling are evolving. Once seen as a moral vice, gaming is increasingly recognized as a legitimate economic contributor. He emphasized the industry’s growing role in employment and revenue generation.

Zimpapers board member Mrs. Sibly Madzikanda pledged greater media attention on the betting sector, especially in advocating for responsible gambling.

H-Metro Editor Robson Sharuko echoed the sentiment, stating that while gambling may carry stigma, it is a significant industry employing thousands.

He called for regular dialogue around responsibility and ethics in gaming.

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