Sports betting is legal in Malawi and is regulated by the Malawi Gaming & Lotteries Authority (MAGLA), a statutory body established under the Gaming & Lotteries Act to oversee all gaming and lottery activities in the country (1).
Under the Gaming & Lotteries Act, licensed sports betting operators must obtain approval from MAGLA and adhere to strict conditions, including financial guarantees and responsible gambling measures (1). Bettors must be at least eighteen years old, and all promotional activities are closely monitored (2).
"In Malawi, companies operating in the gambling industry are regulated and licensed by the Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority, a national gambling commission. The gambling games include betting, lottery, and casino games. Additionally, the betting industry in the country has gained significant momentum in recent years."
Despite its legal status, operators must implement self-exclusion policies and anti-money laundering procedures. MAGLA has increased oversight to protect minors, imposing fines and banning anyone under the age of eighteen from betting (1).
With the rapid growth of online sports betting, the government continues to refine regulations to cover digital platforms. Both consumers and operators should stay informed of license requirements and responsible gaming guidelines to ensure compliance and promote a safe betting environment.
Source:
https://magla.org.mw/download/gaming-lotteries-act/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11287816/
Last updated: 22-05-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
