ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an introductory background to gambling and sport in Zimbabwe. Soccer betting is exponentially rising in Zimbabwe with profound public health implications at a time when we have little or no support for gambling addiction, and the policy framework remains weak in protecting vulnerable populations from the exploitative activities of betting companies. Soccer betting is a sociological phenomenon that requires critical analysis as it is becoming essential to everyday practices, especially among young people. The chapter also outlines the histories of football and gambling in Zimbabwe. It explores the drivers of the growth of soccer betting, noting the economic and social imperatives associated with the practice in Zimbabwe. The rise of transnational fandoms is also highlighted as an important factor in the normalisation of soccer betting in Zimbabwe. The chapter concludes by outlining the structure of the book.
