Zimbabwe

With the increasing number of Zimbabweans having cell phones, gambling on the internet has become a way for young people to earn money, given the high poverty rate in the state.

According to a study by the University of Cape Town and the University of California, online betting is driving young Zimbabweans to not only purchase smartphones and other devices, but also to learn new digital skills or improve existing ones.

However, the industry is still at an early stage of development compared to more mature African markets.

The cornerstone of the sector, apart from limited internet access, is the Lotteries and Gambling Act 1998, which has no rules for iGaming.

However, online sports betting is currently allowed in the country. However, due to the weak control of the sector and an underdeveloped regulatory framework, Zimbabweans are increasingly turning to offshore betting.

Population

The country has a population of over 16 million. The population growth rate is 1.8% in 2024.

32.7% of the country's citizens live in urban areas, while 67.3% live in rural areas.

As of early 2024, the population had the following age distribution:

• 13.9% - up to 4 years.
• 21,2% - 5 to 12 years old.
• 11.6% - 13 to 17 years old.
• 14.3% - 18 to 24 years old.
• 14,3% - 25 to 34 years old.
• 11.7% - 35 to 44 years old
• 6.6% - 45 to 54 years old.
• 3,2% - 55 to 64 years old.
• 3.2% - 65 and over

The average age is 19 years. The average life expectancy reaches just over 60 years.

The literacy rate (ability to read and write) among youth aged 15 to 24 years is 91.73% and among adults is 84.6%.

The predominant ethnic group is Africans, who make up 98% of the population (including the Shona, Ndebele and Matabele peoples). Mulattoes and Asians make up 1%, with Europeans making up less than 1%.

Language: the official language is English. From about 4th grade onwards, education in the country is conducted almost entirely in English.

Apart from English, the predominant local languages are Shona and Ndebele.

Religion: adherents of syncretic beliefs, representing a combination of Christianity and paganism, make up 50% of the population. Christians - 25%, adherents of local traditional beliefs - up to 24%, Muslims - 1%.

Major cities: Harare (capital), Bulawayo, Chitungwiza, Mutare, Gweru.

Currency: United States dollar (USD), Zimbabwean gold (ZIG). 100 ZIG= $15

There have been many official currencies in Zimbabwe. None of them has been able to achieve the necessary stability to help the country cope with inflation problems.

In April 2024, the authorities made one last attempt and introduced the Zimbabwean Gold (ZIG) currency. The monetary unit is pegged to foreign currency, gold, diamonds and other precious stones held in Zimbabwe's reserves.

Nevertheless, the US dollar remains the preferred monetary unit for everyday use in the country. It is used in 87% local transactions.

Financial capacity

Zimbabwe is an African country rich in gold, diamonds and other resources. During colonial rule, a strong infrastructure was created on its territory. However, today Zimbabwe is one of the poorest countries in the world.

Nearly one in three residents of the state live below the international extreme poverty line, which is $1.90 per day. Approximately two out of five residents live on $3.2 per day.

Total unemployment rate - 36%. Unemployment rate among youth (aged 15-24 years) - 15%.

The average wage is from $150 and the minimum wage is from $80.

mentality

Zimbabwe gained independence from Britain in 1980. The effects of colonization continue to be felt in various spheres of life of the population. This is evident in the widespread use of the English language, the adoption of Christianity and related values in family traditions.

Zimbabweans are eager to show wealth and often mention their home region when introducing themselves, indicative of their linguistic background and sometimes reflecting social status and political beliefs.

Residents prefer to wear colorful clothing. Especially popular are clothes that cover as many parts of the body as possible at once. Red symbolizes protection and strength, while green symbolizes fertility and prosperity.

In Zimbabwe, black magic rules everything, so omens and superstitions are connected with it. Here many people practice witchcraft - predicting the future, witchcraft and contact with the souls of the dead. Even churchmen tacitly believe in the existence of black magic.

Zimbabweans often interpret the behavior or appearance of certain animals as omens. For example, the appearance of a butterfly is interpreted as a sign of good luck, while encounters with lizards are considered a sign of bad luck.

Certain days in a month or year are perceived particularly auspicious: the new moon symbolizes new beginnings, and the full moon is associated with the completion of affairs.

In the culture of many African peoples, including Zimbabweans, the number 7 is considered a lucky number. It is associated with completeness and harmony.

iGaming market size

According to the country's IRS, the gambling industry (online and offline formats) generated about $7 million in taxes in 2020.

The majority of Zimbabwean punters bet between 1 and 7 years, starting at the age of 16. Their passion for soccer was the reason for their interest in the industry, while others were inspired by soccer fans who were already involved in betting.

Internet availability

At the beginning of 2024, 4G network coverage was 44.15% and internet penetration was 33.73%. For comparison, in January 2021, internet penetration was 33.4%.

Low internet availability is due to the high cost of internet services and periodic outages due to political or economic factors.

The average speed of wireless connection via Wi-Fi is 9.85 Mbps. There is no information on the average speed of mobile Internet connection.

Volume of device utilization:

• mobile - 97%
• desktop - 2.6%.
• tablet - 0.4%

Popular Web Applications:

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook Massenger
• Twitter.

The number of social media users increased by 750k between 2023 and early 2024.

Number of active users in early 2024:

• Facebook - 2.05 million
• LinkedIn - 890,000
• Instagram - 580k
• Facebook Massenger - 466k
• Twitter - 336,300

Player preferences

Prior to 2000, before the Zimbabwean crisis, the main types of gambling that did not have legal status were lotteries, betting on horse races and dog racing.

Online betting is currently leading the industry, with soccer being the most popular sport. The leading betting types are express bets.

The Zimbabwe Premier League (PSL) is the main professional soccer competition in the country. Zimbabweans are also more likely to bet on the most popular soccer leagues: the English Premier League, La Liga, French and Italian leagues, whose matches can be watched on SuperSport TV.

In soccer, the most sought-after countries are Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, as well as European teams - Spain, France, England and Belgium.

In African international tournaments, popular national teams are Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana, Cameroon and Nigeria.

Online slots, roulette and baccarat are popular in online gambling, predominantly among the youth. Lotteries and scratch cards have not lost their relevance in this geo either.