Zimbabwe finding ways to reinvigorate lottery industry

Wednesday 11th of January 2017

The Zimbabwean government is reportedly seeking help from an India-based gaming and technology company in order to improve the operation of its state lotteries, local media reports.

Home Minister Dr Ignatius Chombo reportedly flew to in Chennai, India, this week, meeting officials from Eagle Press Pvt. Ltd.

He is joined also by Home Affairs Ministry Secretary Mr. Melusi Matshiya, and Lotteries and Gaming Board chief executive Mr. Heavens Gonga.

“We are here to discuss ways of revamping the State Lotteries and Gaming Board whose income has dwindled and is technically non-functional,” he said.

“Eagle Press is India’s top security printing and gaming company that is involved in gaming activities in more than 40 countries worldwide. We are also looking at technology to monitor in real time what is going on in our gaming and gambling enterprises throughout the country,” he said.

“We wish to review and improve on betting, racing and State Lotteries, taking advantage of new technologies available nowadays.”

The Minister also said the two parties wanted to monitor the progress made in the implementation of a MoU between Eagle Press and State Lotteries in 2014.

Expressing hope for the revival of the lottery industry, Dr Chombo said: “Focus on market dynamics and marketing wizardry will be done. Exhibition of the contemporary innovative lottery technology, which includes examination of the equipment, simulation or demonstration and customization or adaptation to suit the Zimbabwe market are on the list of our program.”

African countries have seen their lottery revenues dwindling as a result of the rising popularity of illegal gaming operations.

Lottery