Zambia’s gambling market is pulled in two directions. Land-based casinos and betting shops are licensed by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) and operate under laws that have been in place for years. That side of the market is structured and predictable.
The situation regarding online gambling is different. There is no dedicated law, no clear system for licensing, yet the authorities still tax betting and casino activity. This leaves operators in a grey zone. Some offshore brands target Zambian players, creating a market that is active but only partly supervised.
The result is a mix of regulated land-based venues and loosely controlled online play. It is a market that is growing, but one that carries uncertainty for any operator considering entry.
| Regulatory Authority | Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) |
| Key legislation | Online gambling is not directly regulated under a specific law. |
| Allowed activities | Online gambling is not formally licensed in Zambia.
Some international operators accept Zambian players and may pay local gaming taxes, but they do not hold a clear online licence.
The law and the BCLB focus on land-based casinos and betting, so online activity operates in a grey area. |
| Taxation and fees | Zambia applies gaming and betting taxes even in the absence of a formal online licensing regime. For example:
These rates are set out in tax schedules, but in practice the absence of online licences might make enforcement inconsistent. |
| Licence validity/duration | Not applicable. |
| SOFTSWISS products compliant | No products available at the moment |
| Key legislation | Betting Control Act (1957) Casino Act (1992) |
| Allowed activities | Among others:
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| Prohibited activities | Among others:
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| Taxation |
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