The ManicaPost
Moffat Mungazi
Post Reporter
PLAYERS in the lotteries and gaming industry say their businesses continue to be affected due to the shorter working hours under the prevailing national lockdown put in place as a measure to contain the Covid-19 pandemic.
The operators said this during the Lotteries and Gaming Board’s strategic planning workshop at a local hotel today.
With the country still under Level Two national lockdown, the game industry said operating within curfew times is one of the many challenges they are facing.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on our operations. Closing business earlier in line with the curfew times has hit us hard, especially casino operators.
“This is affecting our cashflows as we are not generating enough to sustain our businesses,” said Mr Blessing Taruvinga, a representative of the gaming operators.
He said the industry is also seeking support mechanisms from the Government and banking sector through funding and credit facilities to facilitate its growth.
Mr Taruvinga said improvements to Acts governing the industry and longer licence tenures from the current annual regime will enhance the ease of doing business.
