Cabinet has, in principle, approved the introduction of a Bill in Parliament to repeal several outdated laws governing Zambia’s gaming and lotteries sector.
This was during the 11th Cabinet meeting held on Monday, June 23rd, 2025.
The proposed Bill seeks to repeal the Betting and Totalizator Control Act No. 13 of 1994, State Lotteries Act Cap 328, Pools Act Cap 165, Gaming and Machines (Prohibition) Act Cap 92, Tourism and Hospitality Act No. 23 of 2007, and Lotteries Act Cap 163, to modernize and enhance the regulation, institutional arrangement, and management of the gaming and lotteries sector in Zambia.
Chief Government Spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa, said the existing legislative framework has become obsolete in light of Zambia’s evolving economic landscape and advancements in digital technology.
Mr. Mweetwa, who is also Minister of Information and Media, noted that the sector currently includes casino gambling, pay-out machines, sports betting, and lotteries adding that it However has rapidly expanded to include online gambling, creating regulatory gaps that the current laws do not adequately address.
“The industry has grown significantly, with more casinos, lottery operators, and betting companies entering the market, while the legal and supervisory frameworks have remained largely unchanged,” said Mr. Mweetwa in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today.
And Cabinet has also approved, in principle, the introduction of a Bill to repeal the Public Roads Act No. 12 of 2002.
Mr. Mweetwa explained that the proposed repeal aims to align the Act with current development needs, enhance road safety, and ensure efficient and sustainable management of the country’s road infrastructure.
He said the new legislation would address challenges relating to the functions of the Road Development Agency and axle load control provisions, which are currently not in line with international best practices.
Meanwhile, Cabinet has also approved the issuance of the Zambia Institute of Secretaries (Registration) Regulations, 2025, intended to provide a clear procedure for the registration of members under the Zambia Institute of Secretaries.
Mr. Mweetwa emphasized that there are currently no binding regulations outlining the registration process, and the introduction of the 2025 regulations will fill this gap and streamline professional registration procedures.
By Angel Kasabo
