Online gambling regulation in Malawi

Prohibited. General offence and licensing provisions of the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 2022 appear to cover operating or promoting unlicensed gaming; precise advertising section not clearly identified..

MAGLA warns that participation in and, by implication, support for unlicensed gaming or betting may lead to severe legal consequences under the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 2022..

Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA), established under the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 2022 — magla.org.mw

Gaming and Lotteries Act, No. 32 of 2022 (repealing the prior Gaming Act and Lotteries Act).

Online casino: Licensed. Online sports betting: Licensed.

The regulator publishes a register of licensed operators. MAGLA publishes an official list of currently licensed gaming, lottery and sports betting operators.

https://magla.org.mw/

• Administrative sanctions and fines against unlicensed operators under the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 2022.
• Potential criminal liability for operating without a MAGLA licence under the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 2022.
• MAGLA consumer warnings and public notices urging avoidance of unlicensed operators and warning of legal consequences.

• Advertising must not promote or involve unlicensed gaming or betting operators; MAGLA urges the public to use only licensed brands.
• Licensed operators are expected to support responsible gambling and a fair, transparent, regulated environment, as set out in MAGLA’s mandate.
• Promotional communications must reflect MAGLA licensing status and comply with conditions attached to gaming and betting licences.

• Gaming and Lotteries Act, 2022 adopted, creating a unified framework and enabling regulation of online betting and internet gaming..
• Creation of Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA) from merger of Malawi Gaming Board and National Lotteries Board in 2022..
• MAGLA’s 2025 publication of an official list of approved online gaming, sports betting and lottery operators to combat unlicensed gambling..

• Exact sections of the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 2022 governing internet gaming, online advertising and specific offences for promoting unlicensed operators are not clearly identified in available sources..
• Specific statutory provisions on ISP blocking, payment blocking or detailed online advertising standards are not visible in public summaries..
• Scope of the 2025 Sports Betting Regulations, including detailed marketing and sponsorship rules, is only described generally in secondary commentary..
• Whether Malawi issues a distinct online gaming licence for poker versus casino games.
• Whether sweepstakes/social casinos are treated as gambling, promotional gaming, or unregulated consumer products.
• Whether prediction markets are supervised by gambling or financial regulators in Malawi.
• Whether paid mystery/loot boxes are classified as gambling under Malawi law.

1. parliament.gov.mw/uploads/doc_bills/doc_bills_43343698-4436-4ebd-a725-33f3bc1378b31688451161254.pdf
2. malawilii.org/akn/mw/act/1996/26/eng@2014-12-31
3. gamblingmaps.org/map/regulations/malawi
4. magla.org.mw/
5. igamingtoday.com/magla-publishes-official-list-of-licensed-gaming-and-lottery-operators-in-malawi/
6. bettingcompanies.africa/malawi/
7. africangambit.com/malawi-gaming-authority-publishes-licensed-operator-list/
8. magla.org.mw/organisation/
9. magla.org.mw/media/
10. legalpilot.com/country/malawi/
11. maravipost.com/is-online-gambling-legal-in-malawi/
12. legalpilot.com/gambling-regulations-map/
13. lcb.org/restrictions/malawi
14. legalitylens.com/what-is-the-legality-of-gambling-in-malawi/
15. nyasatimes.com/gambling-laws-in-malawi/
16. gamblingmaps.org/map/regulations/malawi/for-operators
17. magla.org.mw/download/gaming-lotteries-act/

Researched 2026-09-21 from public sources and summarised by the Brandfense team. Not legal advice — confirm with the regulator or your counsel before acting.