Online casinos exist in a regulatory grey area in Malawi, as there are currently no specific laws or regulations addressing online gambling activities within the country. While traditional land-based gambling is well-regulated under the Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA), the digital gambling sector remains unaddressed by existing legislation (1). MAGLA was established as a statutory body by an Act of Parliament and is responsible for licensing and regulating all gaming and lottery activities in the country, but its mandate has not been extended to cover online casino operations.
The Gaming and Lotteries Act passed by Malawi Parliament in 2022 reformed the country's gambling landscape by merging the Malawi Gaming Board and National Lotteries Board into MAGLA, creating a unified regulatory framework for traditional gaming activities (2). However, this modernized legislation did not include provisions for online gambling regulation, leaving internet-based casino operations in legal limbo. Players can access offshore online casinos that accept Malawian residents, but these platforms operate without local regulatory oversight or consumer protection measures.
"The Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA) is charged with the responsibility of licensing of Gaming and Lotteries and has the power to regulate all gaming activities."
The absence of online gambling regulation creates uncertainty for both operators and players in Malawi's digital gaming market. While there are no laws explicitly prohibiting online casino participation, there are also no licensing mechanisms or regulatory safeguards in place for digital gambling operations. MAGLA continues to focus on traditional gaming venues and lotteries, with licensed casino resorts operating in major cities like Lilongwe and Blantyre, but the authority has yet to develop comprehensive policies addressing the growing demand for online casino services among Malawian players.
Source:
https://magla.org.mw/
https://www.nyasatimes.com/gambling-laws-in-malawi/
Last updated: 18-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
