Mozambique has approved its first standalone legal framework for online gambling, introducing a dedicated licensing regime for digital operators that is separate from land-based casino concessions. The move establishes online gambling as an independent category of gaming activity and aims to strengthen oversight of the country’s growing digital gaming market.
Dedicated rules for online operators
During its weekly Cabinet meeting, the Council of Ministers approved the Regulation on the Operation and Practice of Games of Chance using Electronic or Computerised Means. Online gambling is officially recognised by the regulation as a separate gaming activity conducted via computer systems, electronic platforms, and other digital channels.
According to government spokeswoman Inocóncio Impissa, the policy replaces the previous system in which online gambling was governed by more general casino laws by establishing a distinct legal framework for remote games of chance.
Instead of depending on the concessions granted to land-based casino operators, online gambling companies must secure licenses created especially for digital gaming activities under the new system. As internet gaming continues to grow throughout the nation, the reform is anticipated to bring more regulatory clarity.
Government acts as casino revenue declines
The regulatory changes come as Mozambique faces lower tax income from its traditional casino sector.
According to the Ministry of Finance‘s 2025 Budget Execution Report, casino tax revenue reached MT359.5 million (US$4.8 million), which represented only 54 per cent of the MT666.1 million (US$8.8 million) projected for the year. Tax collections also fell by 7.3 per cent from MT387.7 million (US$5.1 million) recorded in 2024.
According to the Ministry of Finance, a portion of the drop can be ascribed to the growing popularity of online gambling, as more players are opting for digital platforms rather than going to actual casinos. In an attempt to control this change in consumer behaviour, the government unveiled the new framework.
Existing gaming market remains in place
Mozambique currently licenses casino and slot machine operations in Maputo, Matola, Beira, Tete, Nampula and Pemba. Existing concession holders are required to maintain a minimum share capital of around US$2.7 million and invest at least US$5.5 million during their first five years of operation.
Additionally, the nation’s current tax structure is still in place. Depending on the concession period, casino operators must pay a Special Tax on Gambling that ranges from 20 to 35 per cent of gross gaming revenue. They are also eligible for some exemptions on gambling-related taxes and import customs on casino equipment, but they must pay stamp duty equal to 50 per cent of the cost of their casino admission tickets.
Focus shifts to digital gambling oversight
For the first time, Mozambique has implemented a licensing system tailored to internet gambling companies. The framework establishes a regulatory framework specific to online platforms and distinguishes digital gambling from traditional casino operations.
The new rules are designed to strengthen oversight of Mozambique’s fast-growing online gambling market while bringing the country’s gaming laws in line with the rise of digital betting. They also give regulators a clear legal framework to oversee online operators separately from land-based casinos.
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