Zambia is situated in the south-central part of Africa and achieved internal self-governing in January 1964 and independence on 24th October of the same year. As Zambia with a stroke of the pen, it retained its membership in the Commonwealth. This blog post will discuss the background, rules and the current state of affairs of sports betting in Zambia and the achievements of Zambian sports. At the end, understand the gambling situation in Zambia and prepare to engage in the favorable betting sites in Zambia.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
Gambling laws in Zambia: a brief history
Gambling in Zambia has been a past time activity for a long time now, tracing its roots back to the mid twentieth century. Here are some key milestones:
- 1957: It is to mention that Gambling became legal in Zambia with the help of the Lotteries Act.
- 1958: All the forms of sports betting legalised through the Betting Control Act.
- 1992: The Casinos Act was passed which legalized casinos.
- 2007: The Tourism and Hospitality Act was enacted into law and became the principal piece of gambling legislation.
Regulatory Agencies of Betting Sites in Zambia
The role of the government regulatory bodies is vital in the provision of a proper regulation of the gambling industry. In Zambia, these include:
- Minister of Finance and National Planning.
- Department of Local Government and Rural Development.
- Betting Control and Licensing Board of Zambia
- Ministry of Tourism
These agencies are involved in the licensing and regulation of the entities involved as well as enforcement of fair practice and consumer protection.
Prohibited and Permitted Bets
Zambia has some rules regarding the kinds of bets that are permissible and those that are not. Generally, all major forms of gambling are legal, including:
- Sports Betting
- Casinos
- Lotteries
- Online Gambling
Some kinds of bets are considered forbidden, for instance, if the participants of the event are minors or if the event itself is criminal.
Gambling Licenses and Fees
The process of getting a gambling license in Zambia depends on the specific type of gambling and is rather comprehensive. Here’s a quick rundown:
- The following are the permits: online casinos, sports betting, lotteries, and slots.
- Licenses are for five years and one has to renew the same after the expiry of the period.
As for the licensing process, it implies a close examination of the applicant’s observance of all the legal requirements.
Taxes on Gambling
The Zambian government imposes taxes on both operators and players:
- A 15% gross revenue tax on all gambling activities, online and sports betting included.
- Fifteen percent tax on winnings of players, to be withheld from the winnings themselves.
The Top Betting Sites in Zambia
In selection of a betting site, it is best to go for the most reliable and those with the best interface. Here are the top three betting sites in Zambia:
22Bet Zambia
Up to £122
1Xbet Zambia
Up To £100
Dafabet Zambia
Up To £130 + £5 Free Bets
Major events in Zambian sports history
Zambia has had its fair share of notable sports events that have shaped its national identity:
- 1964: Zambia gets its independence and starts engaging in the international sports arena.
- 1984: Keith Mwila Gets a Bronze Medal in Boxing During the Summer Olympics.
- 1996: Samuel Matete places second in the 400m hurdles at the Olympics to get a silver medal.
- 2012: Zambia takes the Africa Cup of Nations in football.
- 2020: Zambia is privileged to hold the All Africa Games which is a big sports event in Africa.
Celebrating Zambian Sports Stars
Zambia has produced some remarkable athletes who have excelled on the world stage:
Kalusha Bwalya
- Apperead as the African Footballer of the Year in 1988 and 1994.
- Represented the likes of PSV Eindhoven and Real Zaragoza in the European clubs.
Harry Simon
- Former WBO middleweight champion.
- Two-time Olympian.
Samuel Matete
- An Olympic silver medalist in 400m hurdles at the 1996 Olympics.
- Three-time African champion.
Gambling Laws of Neighboring Countries
Understanding the gambling regulations in neighboring countries can offer valuable insights:
Tanzania:
- Legalized gambling in 2003.
- Licensed by the Gaming Board of Tanzania.
- Some of the common forms of gambling are casino, betting on sports, and lotteries.
Zimbabwe:
- Legalised gambling in the 1990s.
- Licensed by Lotteries and Gaming Board.
- The categories of gambling are casinos, sports betting, and horse racing.
Namibia:
- Legalized gambling in 1994.
- Licensed by the Namibian Gaming Board.
- Some of the categories of gambling are casinos, betting on sports, and lotteries.
Conclusion
This paper aims to analyse the history of gambling in Zambia as a legal activity that started from the 1957. Being a country with quite a strong regulation and numerous types of betting, Zambia is considered as a country with a well-developed gambling industry for citizens and tourists. So whether you are a sports betting enthusiast, a casino player, or a real money online gambler, there is something for you. We would like to thank the reader for taking their time to go through this guide to betting in Zambia.
FAQ: Best Betting Sites in Zambia
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