Entertainment in form of online games is experiencing growth worldwide and is expected to bring in more than 60 billion dollars globally as early as 2024. But the market could also hold opportunities for developing countries, including Zimbabwe, where providers can create jobs and thus pump more money into the economy. There are many casinos and betting providers in the country that promise a lot of fun.
Local Entertainment in Zimbabwe
There are a number of good casinos which visitors can try. One recommended casino is the Elephant Hills Hotel and Casino. It is located in Victoria Falls and is open until six in the morning every day, so players have plenty of time to try everything. There are 14 table games and 54 slot machines there. The games on offer range from poker and baccarat to blackjack and American roulette. Conveniently, there are also free practise sessions for beginners at American Roulette and Blackjack, so you can familiarize yourself with the rules before playing for real money. Another popular casino is the Caribbean Bay Resort and casino in Kariba. There are 7 table games and 30 slot machines. Gambling fans can stay overnight in the modern hotel and continue playing right after breakfast in the morning. The casino opens daily at ten in the morning, while live games start daily at eight in the evening. A final recommended casino is the Montclair Hotel and casino in Mutare. There are 12 table games and 35 gaming machines. The hotel has 75 rooms where gambling enthusiasts can find accommodation.
Boom in online providers
In recent years, online gambling halls and especially betting providers have become increasingly popular. Particularly slot games are in great demand and are used by foreign gaming providers. The selection of possible online gaming arcades is huge. Comparison portals like VegasSlotsOnline can help to find the best slot casinos. Such portals are free of charge and available with just one click. They offer an overview of different providers and list the best conditions, among others regarding game selection, free slot games, bonus offers, and spins or special tournaments. This way, every player can find the most suitable and reputable casino to try his luck at slots. The boom in betting and online gambling which has been recorded in recent years is also a result of improving the internet in the country. The switch to faster 3G network ensures that more and more consumers can use such digital offers. A turnaround has been observed especially in soccer betting, as more and more spectators are taking part in betting for Premier League soccer.
Who regulates the providers?
Zimbabwe is one of the thirty African countries where gambling is legal and unrestricted. There are now over twenty casinos in eleven cities where visitors can try their luck and sample their way through an extensive selection of games. Anyone over 18 is allowed to gamble in Zimbabwe. Gambling in Zimbabwe is regulated by the Lotteries and Gambling Board which is responsible for controlling and monitoring the domestic gambling industry and also issues gambling licenses. The legal basis for the operation of land-based gambling is the Lotteries and Gambling Act of 2000. Although online gambling has long since arrived in Zimbabwe, the market is in a grey area. There are neither laws that explicitly allow nor prohibit it. In addition, all regulations on the subject are very outdated. For example, online casino games and online sports betting are offered by companies based abroad, but online gambling is not supervised.
Potential for change
According to the media, the main loser is the state which in Zimbabwe charges 10 % taxes on betting winnings and 15 % levies on winnings in land-based casinos but leaves online gambling completely untaxed. This must change to stabilize the economy and create incentives for local gambling entrepreneurs, experts report. In a country of 14 million people, where the adult literacy rate is very high, there is a lot of potential for gambling operators. It is definitely necessary to adjust the laws so that there are also rules for online gambling which is not the case so far.
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