Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Board
- Founded
- 2022-01-01 in Malawi
- Headquarters
- Independence Drive, Blantyre, Malawi
The Malawi Gaming & Lotteries Authority (MAGLA) is the statutory regulatory body responsible for overseeing all gaming, betting, and lottery activities in Malawi. Established in 2022 under the Gaming and Lotteries Act (No. 34 of 2022), MAGLA replaced and succeeded the earlier Malawi Gaming Board and National Lotteries Board. Its mandate is to ensure a safe, fair, and transparent gaming industry; protect consumers; promote responsible play; and contribute to national development. MAGLA licenses and regulates operators, monitors compliance, combats illegal gambling, and ensures that all games are conducted with integrity. The authority also issues public licences for sports betting, land-based casinos, and other gaming activities, and has signed sponsorship agreements such as a K40 million MoU with the Super League of Malawi to support local sports. Headquartered in Blantyre, MAGLA operates as a parastatal under the supervision of the Government of Malawi. Its leadership includes a Director General and a Board of Directors, and it employs a management team covering finance, ICT, legal, and regulatory functions. MAGLA is a member of the International Association of Gaming Regulators and actively participates in regional responsible gaming initiatives.
Detailed Review
Establishment and History
MAGLA was created by the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 2022, which repealed earlier legislation and merged the former Malawi Gaming Board and National Lotteries Board into a single unified regulator. The Act gave MAGLA the authority to license, monitor, and enforce compliance across all forms of gaming and lotteries in Malawi.
Regulatory Functions
MAGLA’s core duties include issuing licences for land-based casinos, sports betting, online gaming, and lottery operations. It has opened application windows for 2026 licences. The authority conducts fit-and-proper checks, financial integrity assessments, and ongoing compliance monitoring. It also takes enforcement action against illegal gambling and unlicensed operators.
Consumer Protection and Responsible Gambling
MAGLA promotes responsible gambling through public awareness campaigns and workshops. In April 2024 it hosted a Responsible Gambling Workshop in Salima. The authority maintains a toll-free helpline (4252) for complaints and advice, and publishes official lists of licensed operators to help the public avoid unregulated services.
Revenue and Partnerships
Licence fees and taxes collected by MAGLA contribute to government revenue. The body has entered into partnerships with sports organisations, including a K40 million memorandum of understanding with the Super League of Malawi to sponsor the FDH Bank Premiership. This sponsorship aims to develop local football and enhance the league’s visibility.
Organisation and Leadership
MAGLA is overseen by a Board of Directors appointed by the Minister. The executive management is led by Director General Muchanankhwaye Mpuluka, who was appointed in 2025. Other management team members include ICT Manager Richard Ngalu and Mercy Kokha. The authority’s headquarters are at Independence Drive in Blantyre, with a postal address of P.O. Box 3062, Blantyre.
Recent Developments
In 2025 MAGLA introduced specific regulations for sports betting and published updated lists of licensed online gaming and sports betting operators. It continues to modernise the regulatory framework to keep pace with the evolving gaming landscape in Malawi and across Africa.
Key Products
Land-Based Casino Licences
Licences issued under Section 18 of the Gaming and Lotteries Act via a competitive RFP process for operating land-based casinos in Malawi.
Sports Betting Licences
Licences issued under Section 27 and the Gaming and Lotteries (Sports Betting) Regulations 2025 for sports betting operators.
Lottery Operator Licences
Licences regulated under the Act for national and private lottery operations.
Other Gaming Licences
Covers betting shops, gaming machines, and remote gaming activities.
Compliance & Enforcement Services
Includes monitoring, inspections, investigations, and sanctions to ensure operator compliance with the Act.
Responsible Gambling Programmes
Public workshops and awareness campaigns promoting responsible gambling practices.
Industry Sponsorships
Sponsorships such as the K40 million MoU with the Super League of Malawi and support for the 2025 Africa Netball Cup.
Licensing & Permitting
Issuance of licences for land‑based casinos, sports betting operators, lottery providers, and other gaming activities.
Regulatory Compliance & Enforcement
Monitoring licensed operators for adherence to the Gaming and Lotteries Act, regulations, and licence conditions; conducting inspections and audits; taking enforcement action against illegal gambling.
Consumer Protection & Player Complaints
Mediation and redress mechanisms for disputes between players and operators.
Industry Research & Development
Data collection on gaming revenue, problem gambling prevalence, and socio‑economic impact.
Licensing Services
Issuance and renewal of licences for land-based casinos, sports betting operators, online gaming, and lottery activities.
Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement
Monitoring operators, conducting audits, and enforcing the Gaming and Lotteries Act to ensure integrity and legality.
Operator Licence Lists
Publishing official registers of authorised operators to inform the public and support transparency.
Partnerships
Sponsoring sports leagues such as the K40 million MoU with the Super League of Malawi for the FDH Bank Premiership.
Key Persons
Muchanankhwaye MpulukaDirector General