Zambia is modernising a fragmented gambling regime that historically split oversight between the Ministry of Tourism and the Gaming & Lotteries Committee. New legislation aims to create a single licensing authority covering land-based and remote gaming.
Regulatory framework
The Gaming Bill consolidates casino, betting, lottery and online gaming under one regulator, introducing remote-gambling licences for the first time. Until it is enacted, online operators reach Zambian players from offshore jurisdictions.
Licence types
Licence typeCost / capitalTerm
Casino / Gaming LicenceApplication + annual feeRenewable
Betting / Bookmaker LicenceTiered by turnoverAnnual
Remote Gaming Licence (proposed)TBD under new ActPending
Application & compliance
Register a local company and disclose beneficial ownership.
Demonstrate financial capacity and fit-and-proper directors.
Meet technical standards once the remote regime is enacted.
Implement AML checks under the Financial Intelligence Centre.
Pay fees and report to the consolidated authority.
Taxation
Operators currently face a turnover-based gaming levy alongside corporate tax; the reform is expected to introduce a GGR-based regime and a dedicated responsible-gambling levy.
Player protection & compliance
Minimum age of 18 for all gambling.
KYC and AML checks under the Financial Intelligence Centre.
Planned national self-exclusion register.
Advertising and sponsorship guidelines under review.
Unlicensed operators risk having domains and payment channels blocked once the new Act takes effect.