Mozambique has established a legal framework specifically for online gambling by creating a new concession system for games of chance available through electronic platforms and other digital methods. This move was formalized by the Council of Ministers, which approved the Regulation on the Operation and Practice of Games of Chance or Fortune through Electronic or Computerised Means in mid-July.
This regulation marks a clear distinction between online gambling and the concession system that governs the country's land-based casinos. Currently, Mozambique licenses online sports betting and various products under its existing framework, which also encompasses lotteries, raffles, mutual betting, and virtual games. However, the new regulation introduces a separate category for online games of chance, including casino-style gambling, necessitating its own set of licensing rules apart from those applicable to traditional casinos.
The government’s decision to create this new framework comes at a time when revenues from physical casinos have been on a downward trend. Reports indicate that the casino gaming tax revenue dropped to MZN359.5 million (approximately $5.6 million) in 2025, falling short of the budgeted MZN666.1 million target—representing just 54% of projected collections. This figure also reflects a 7.3% decrease from the MZN387.7 million collected in 2024. According to the Ministry of Finance, the decline in casino revenues has been linked to the growing popularity of online gambling, which is perceived to be drawing patrons away from physical venues.
Economy Minister BasÃlio Muhate emphasized the government's focus on combating illegal gambling following the approval of the online gambling framework. After a July 31 meeting with the Mozambican Association of Online Games and Betting, he stated that the government is committed to increasing oversight and transparency in the gambling sector. Muhate highlighted that the General Inspectorate of Games (IGJ) would play a pivotal role in ensuring this supervision. He reiterated the government’s dedication to addressing illicit gambling activities, stating, "We continue to defend the fight against illegal gambling. Regarding all forms of illegality arising from gambling, we affirm and reaffirm our commitment to tackling it. We also reaffirm the need for greater inspection and greater transparency. That is why we have a General Inspectorate of Games with that responsibility."
Economist Júlio Saramala voiced concerns over the implications of gambling on society, particularly regarding young people. He criticized the potential for irresponsible gambling behaviors fueled by high unemployment and appealing messaging around easy money. Saramala urged for enhanced legislation to mitigate social harms and called for clearer information in advertising as well as improved monitoring of gambling transactions that involve mobile wallets and banking.
Danilo Mussá, president of the Mozambican Association of Online Games and Betting, welcomed the new framework, stating that it equips authorities with the necessary tools to tackle foreign betting sites that cater to Mozambican consumers but do not contribute to local tax revenues. Mussá noted, "This approval is important because it gives us a legal instrument that will also enable us to combat foreign betting sites that enter our cyberspace. People bet on them without using credit or debit cards, which represents a loss to the Mozambican state because taxes are not paid."
Mussá mentioned that the association would engage with Mozambique’s National Institute of Information and Communication Technologies (INTIC) to block these offshore sites. However, it remains uncertain whether the new regulation provides INTIC with the authority to enforce such blocking.
Despite the establishment of the new online gambling framework, there are still unanswered questions about the specifics of the licensing process. The government and IGJ have yet to outline details such as the cost of an online gambling concession, applicable tax rates, minimum capital requirements, application procedures, or technical standards for would-be operators. Current publicly available materials do not indicate an application timeline or provide guidance for potential operators seeking to enter the market. The IGJ's response to inquiries about when these details would be released is still pending. While the approval lays down the legal infrastructure for an online gambling market, its true effectiveness will hinge on how the government implements a licensing and enforcement strategy going forward.
