Zimbabwe's unyielding stance on counterfeit goods: authorities seize and destroy 84 fake production machines
In a bold move to cleanse the gambling sector and uphold the integrity of the market, Zimbabwean authorities have destroyed 84 counterfeit slot machines. This action, led by the Lotteries and Gaming Board (LGBZ), forms part of a broader initiative to eradicate unlawful actors and ensure a safe and fair gaming environment.
The demolition took place in Beitbridge District, following intelligence from community tip-offs and industry monitoring. The seized slot machines, which were rigged to evade regulation, were confiscated from homes and small businesses. The destroyed machines were later transported to Mashavire Business Centre for public display.
Dr. Misheck Chingozha, Interim Board Secretary of the LGBZ, declared that the destruction serves as a deterrent and a major step forward for compliance in Zimbabwe's gaming industry. He emphasized that rogue machines divert funds intended for national development programs.
Police Chief Supt Melusi Ncube stated that unregulated gaming siphons revenue from legitimate operators and exploits vulnerable citizens. He urged residents to report suspicious activity, stressing the importance of community vigilance in maintaining a clean gaming environment.
The awareness drive launched in parallel to the destruction aims to educate the public on spotting counterfeit devices and the penalties for harboring or operating unlicensed equipment. Collaboration between law enforcement, community watchdogs, and operators will continue to keep illegal gambling at bay.
While the destruction of counterfeit machines marks a significant step, enforcement against illegal online gambling remains limited and challenged by technological and economic factors. Zimbabwe is witnessing a surge in illegal online gambling as many citizens turn to unregulated digital betting platforms amid economic hardship. The LGBZ has raised alarms to Parliament about the rapid growth of these illegal operations and the difficulties in enforcement due to limited capacity and the borderless nature of the internet.
Officials continue to encourage residents to report suspicious activity, and Dr. Chingozha urged operators to maintain meticulous records and renew permits promptly, promising support and protection from the state. Regulated gambling in Zimbabwe is subject to strict oversight, with protections such as payout verification, age restrictions, and mandatory contributions to social welfare funds.
Gaming revenues in Zimbabwe are expected to benefit both public coffers and players, given the continued efforts against illegal gambling. The current stance of Zimbabwean authorities on illegal gambling and counterfeit slot machines is notably strict and enforcement-focused, despite the challenges posed by economic and technological factors. Dr. Chingozha declared that the destruction of the 84 counterfeit machines has left them as scrap metal, indicating a positive shift in Zimbabwe's gaming industry.
In line with the destruction of unlawful casino-and-gambling equipment, the LGBZ has launched an awareness drive to educate the public on identifying counterfeit devices and the consequences of harboring or operating unlicensed equipment, falling under the general-news category. Meanwhile, ongoing issues persist with the enforcement of crime-and-justice against illegal online gambling, as technological and economic factors remain challenging.
