Casinos in Zimbabwe

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Introduction

The wildlife here is so lively, that it wouldn't be surprising if an elephant walked into your living room, completely freely. This nature is so luxurious that a new miracle of nature is waiting for you around almost every corner. The people are cheerful and sociable, they will dazzle you with their smiles... Welcome to the Republic of Zimbabwe, a country in Southeast Africa, home of the famous Victoria Falls, rich culture, a history full of ups and downs, a country filled with natural wonders...but also a land where you can experience some fine gambling action!

As we mentioned, Zimbabwe has been struggling with economic downturns for decades. Rises on the economic curve are not frequent, and even if there are, they are thanks to agro-economy, mining, and tourism. However, agricultural economics is a pretty unstable, wobbly branch of the economy, given that Africa, especially its southern part, has serious problems with droughts and floods. Nevertheless, gold, with which the country is rich, significantly affects the maintenance of the mentioned curve below the worrisome level.

And as for the tourist offer...

... Africa, or the Mother and Father of all Continents as it is often called, is a real gem for visitors from other parts of the world. Unlike any other spot on this globe, this continent will connect you, tie you with nature. Zimbabwe is particularly fascinating; it has a dramatic landscape and diverse wildlife - reserves, and parks where tigers, zebras, impalas, hippos, and all those animals you have only seen in zoos roam freely... very exciting, right?

The history of this country is also thrilling, quite interesting to explore, but not sure was it so interesting to experience...

Almost all African countries, excluding Ethiopia and Liberia, went through a difficult colonial period. So, Zimbabwe too. This land was a colony of Europeans for more than 90 years, during which the natives faced confiscation of their property and were forced to do hard labor, mainly in gold mines and the agricultural sector. During the colonial period, poverty prevailed among the majority of the population in Zimbabwe, with exceptions, who lived far above the average. Drastically different living standards led to the emergence of class differences. Fast forward to modern history...

After the colonial period, which officially ended in 1980 with the declaration of independence, Zimbabwe finally stood on its own two feet. However, the problems do not end there. Economic and social issues were massive, and the government unable to successfully solve them. The economy was collapsing faster and deeper, and the population, on the brink of starvation, began to leave Zimbabwe. Then, thanks to several good agro-economic years, the situation improved, and then again, suddenly, drastically worsened. Stability has not been established to this day.

History of Gambling in Zimbabwe

From this, in the shortest possible lines of history, you can conclude that for the inhabitants of this African country, everyday life was not very sweet. To maintain a good spirit, Zimbabweans found ways to relax, to make difficult days easier. One of the most common ways to do was gambling. Gambling was practiced on the streets, in houses, old African games were played, and everything within this activity, until the beginning of the 20th century, was completely unregulated.

In the 20th century, during the rule of the British, gambling began to take a more concrete form. British saw the economic benefits of this activity and began with the organization of the first official horse races and lotteries, intended for the upper class of society. These activities were regulated by laws that favored the European population, with little regard for the indigenous people.

After the declaration of independence, the Republic of Zimbabwe continues to work, independently, on the development of the land-based casino industry. The reasons, again, were of an economic nature, but the emphasis, this time, was placed on trying to make the activity accessible to a broader segment of the population. In 1980 and 1990, the first land-based casinos were opened, with a wide range of popular games.

Current Gambling Laws

It is legal to land-based gamble in the Republic of Zimbabwe. The land-based industry is regulated, while online gambling is still in the gray area. The state body is responsible for the creation and implementation of the rules, which work according to The Lotteries and Gaming Act, originally enacted in 1998 and later amended to reflect changes in the industry.

This state body, the board, to be more precise, is responsible for issuing licenses to land-based establishments, as well as making sure that licensed casinos operate according to established rules. Unlicensed land-based operators, as well as those who work outside the framework of established laws, will be severely punished.

One of the most important pieces of the puzzle is the implementation of the Responsible Gambling policy, which prohibits underage gambling (below 18 years) and works to prevent gambling addiction. More, in the sector of Responsible Gambling, is the prevention of problems in connection with crime, most often money laundering.

However...

... despite the complex laws implemented in practice, Zimbabwe is one of the countries in Africa where the land-based industry is manipulated. Due to economic hardship, illegal gambling and all-day casino visits are becoming common in Zimbabwe as people seek to earn a living.

Places to Gamble in Zimbabwe

Rainbow Towers Hotel & Conference Centre – Harare

Without a doubt, the most lavish place to gamble in Zimbabwe. This sophisticatedcomplex is located in the capital city of Harare. The hotel has several hundred luxuriously furnished rooms.

In addition to upscale accommodation visitors to this hotel can enjoy lots of other activities, including a richly equipped casino located within the complex. The casino has over a hundred modern land-based slot machines, including jackpots, as well as a fantastic selection of table games. Visitors can deposit with cash, credit, and debit cards.

Bulawayo Sun Hotel & Casino – Bulawayo

Unlike the previous example, a much more informal atmosphere awaits you at this place, but also, frankly, a more modest selection of games. Specifically, several dozen slot machines, and a few tables for Blackjack, Roulette. Definitely, a smaller spot for gambling, located in a smaller town, mostly frequented by locals, just few passing tourists, but very charming, and often praised for its friendly and hospitable staff.

Conclusion

Even though gambling has been an integral part of life for hundreds of years and it is a completely legal and regulated industry, land-based casinos, at the moment, are not in abundance on the territory of Zimbabwe. This African land would hardly be in the top three if we had to choose the best place for gambling on the continent.

The already unstable economy was further shaken by the current inflation, and many casino operators and land-based establishments are closing their doors in the face of financial collapse. However, the industry is still holding on, and despite the downturn, there are still some wonderful places to gamble in Zimbabwe.

All in all, it may not be the hottest place to gamble, but certainly among the most interesting. Where else in the world can you fly over one of the most massive waterfalls in a helicopter, bathe elephants, get your adrenaline pumping by rafting on one of the fast rivers, and in the evening dress up and try your luck at one of the jackpots - all in one single day? Only in Zimbabwe...