Law on Bonanza machines weak – ZGA

By Francis Chipalo

The Zambia Gaming Association (ZGA) has called for the need to strengthen the “weak” law on gambling machines locally known as Bonanzas.

This follows Lusaka City Council – (LCC) directive to shop owners to remove the machines from their premises.

LCC Public Relations Manager Chola Mwamba stated that the presence of Bonanzas dotted on grocery shops around the city enticed children to gamble, leading some to skip school.

But ZGA Secretary General, Darius Sinkamba said in an interview that if sanity in the business was to be restored, there is need to tighten the law.

He said Bonanzas have been classified as “small” businesses, hence, paving way for illegal operations.

“There is a lot of bureaucracy on government on Bonanzas which becomes a deterrent to enforce the law,” Sinkamba said.

Meanwhile, Sinkamba disclosed that majority of law breakers in the industry were unregistered operators.

He said the directive from the local authority would ensure that any business operator found wanting would have their license revoked in accordance with the law.

“No grocery shop should have Bonanza machines because these are supposed to be placed in locations where persons of 18 years and above are the only ones allowed to play, but in shops everyone has access, including young children which should not be the case,” he added.