By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
Zimbabwe’s gambling community is reeling from a new proposal that could see a significant slice of their winnings taxed.
Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Professor Mthuli Ncube, announced a 10% withholding tax on gross betting winnings during his 2025 Budget Presentation.
For many punters, the move feels like a gamble on their livelihoods.
“I’m already playing with my hard-earned cash,” lamented one Harare punter who chose to stay anonymous. “Now they want to tax my winnings too? It’s like being punished for winning!”
Among the bettors, emotions ran high as they debated the fairness of the proposal. Some, like “Lucky,” a regular at local betting shops, struck a more optimistic note.
“If it means better roads or schools, maybe it’s worth a try. But I worry this could just push people to shady, unregulated online platforms.”
Economists, however, view the tax as a pragmatic step. Victor Boroma highlighted that while the tax might not immediately transform government revenue, it could pave the way for tighter oversight in the booming gambling sector.
“The industry is growing rapidly,” Boroma noted. “This tax could act as a control measure and a revenue boost for the government.”
Yet, beneath the numbers and policies lies a deeper concern. Experts warn that taxing winnings might worsen gambling addiction, leading to stress and financial woes for vulnerable individuals.
“Gambling isn’t just a game,” Boroma cautioned. “It has real social costs, and we can’t ignore that.” For now, the question on every gambler’s mind remains: will the new tax deter them from taking a chance, or will it become just another bet they have to weigh?
As Zimbabwe’s government seeks to balance its books, the debate over the 10% tax reveals the high stakes of taxing hope itself.
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