Mozambique sets November 20 start for online casino regulations
Mozambique will introduce new online casino regulations on November 20, requiring operators to meet strict financial and local ownership requirements before entering the regulated market.
Under Decree No. 61/2026, approved on September 21, companies seeking to operate online gambling sites must hold minimum share capital of MZN100 million (approximately US$1.56 million), with at least 26% Mozambican ownership.
According to local publication Radar Nacional, operators must also provide financial guarantees totalling MZN25 million (US$391,000) and comply with new licensing, taxation and consumer protection requirements.
The regulations require gambling platforms to operate using Mozambique’s .mz internet domain and conduct financial transactions in the country’s currency, the metical.
Authorities will also have powers to block unauthorised gambling websites, while licensed operators must implement responsible gambling measures, including player-controlled betting limits.
The legislation establishes requirements for the storage and management of gambling data, alongside restrictions governing payment processing and operator ownership.
The reforms are intended to strengthen government oversight of online gambling and improve tax collection from the sector.
According to Mozambican business publication Diário Económico, gambling tax revenue reached MZN161 million during the first half of 2026, representing an 8.6% decline compared with the corresponding period last year.
Although the regulations take effect on November 20, the date does not represent an immediate launch of licensed online casinos.
Operators must first secure the necessary concessions, licences and technical approvals before accepting customers under the new framework.
The big question will be if the Mozambique government can stop the offshore gambling industry from eating into the local revenue, with this fight one being waged in many countries around the world.
