By A Correspondent- In a shock move, the Zimbabwean government has announced its decision to severely increase the amount of money required to run a casino, lottery or betting shop within the southern African country.

Not only that, but they also gave operators very little time to react to the news, making the announcement in late February and stating the new licensing fees and costs would come into effect immediately. However, they did not state how it would affect applications that have already been made and are pending approval.

“It is hereby notified that the Minister of the Interior and Cultural Heritage within the meaning of Section 65 of the Lotteries and Gambling Act [Chapter 10:26] as read in Sections 16 and 23 of the Betting and Totalizator Control Act [Chapter 10:02], made the (verified fees) regulations,” read the government gazette.

Under the new rules, the review and processing of an application for a permanent license for a casino or lottery operation increased to $250 000. Review, processing or renewing a Totalizator license can now cost up to $50 000, while review, processing or renewal of a gaming house license has also been set at $50 000; this includes bookmakers as well.
-Newsday