Malawi’s sports betting licensing process reaches a key stage today as the deadline for operators to submit applications closes. The Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA) has confirmed that bids for sports betting licences must be received by 10 July, with no late submissions accepted.
The process is open to both local and international operators and forms part of the country’s updated regulatory framework under the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 2022 and the Gaming and Lotteries (Sports Betting) Regulations, 2025.
MAGLA closes application window
MAGLA opened applications on 8 June, inviting qualified companies to compete for sports betting licences through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process. The regulator has stated that complete applications, supporting documents and proof of payment must be submitted before the deadline.
In its public notice, MAGLA said applications received after 10 July at 16:30 local time would not be considered. The authority also noted that the invitation does not guarantee that a licence will be awarded, as every application must first pass the required regulatory assessments.
The sports betting application deadline is separate from the land based casino licensing process, which remains open until 15 July under a different competitive process.
Due diligence forms part of licensing
Applicants will undergo fit and proper assessments alongside financial integrity, beneficial ownership and regulatory due diligence checks before any licence is granted. MAGLA said the reviews will be conducted in accordance with the Gaming and Lotteries Act, applicable regulations and the published RFP criteria.
The licensing exercise is open to domestic and foreign investors. Local applicants must pay a non refundable RFP fee of K2 million (US$1,150) to obtain the bidding documents, while foreign applicants are required to pay US$1,500.
Once the submission period closes, MAGLA will begin evaluating applications against the legal, financial and governance requirements before deciding which operators qualify for licences.
Part of Malawi’s updated gambling framework
The current application process is one of the first major licensing exercises carried out under Malawi’s Gaming and Lotteries Act, 2022, which established MAGLA as the country’s gambling regulator. The authority is responsible for licensing operators, monitoring compliance, promoting responsible gambling and tackling illegal gaming activities across the country.
Over the past year, MAGLA has continued to expand its regulatory activities. In 2024, the authority announced plans to increase the number of licensed gaming operators, reflecting broader efforts to formalise the sector through structured licensing and stronger oversight.
The regulator has lately implemented policies to promote responsible gaming. It enacted new advertising regulations earlier this year that limit gambling marketing and mandate that operators adhere to revised criteria intended to enhance consumer protection.
Next stage begins after deadline
Now that the deadline for submissions has passed, focus will turn to MAGLA’s evaluation procedure. Before deciding which businesses satisfy the necessary operational, financial, and legal requirements, the regulator will evaluate each application using the specified RFP criteria.
The outcome of the process will determine the next group of licensed sports betting operators allowed to enter Malawi’s regulated gambling market. Meanwhile, prospective land based casino operators still have until 15 July to submit their applications under the separate licensing programme.
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