Online bingo is legal in Malawi under the Gaming and Lotteries Act 2022, which established a formal regulatory framework specifically authorizing internet-based gaming operations (1). The Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA), created through the merger of the Malawi Gaming Board and National Lotteries Board, now holds exclusive responsibility for licensing and regulating all online bingo platforms (1). The legislation defines online bingo explicitly and permits licensed operators to offer this form of gaming to players within Malawi's jurisdiction.
Online bingo operators seeking to provide services in Malawi must obtain a license from MAGLA and comply with stringent operational requirements, including maintaining primary servers and financial control systems within Malawi with a physical administrative office staffed by key personnel (2). The proposed regulations introduced restrictions on advertising, including mandatory warnings that gambling may be addictive, with radio and television advertisements permitted only between 9 PM and 5 AM (2). Non-compliance with advertising regulations can result in fines of K5,000,000 (approximately €4,456) or imprisonment for up to 12 months.
"The proposed online regulations would finally put in place a modern licensing framework for operators, as well as introduce an online self-exclusion system and new requirements for internal procedures. Online gambling licensees will have to have their primary server and financial control system located within Malawi."
Players in Malawi can legally access online bingo through licensed operators without facing legal consequences, as MAGLA actively ensures player protection through responsible gambling initiatives including self-exclusion systems (1). The regulatory authority has licensed multiple online operators and published an approved operators list, distinguishing legitimate licensed platforms from illegal unlicensed services (2). Until MAGLA maintains the licensing framework, online bingo remains fully legal and regulated, providing Malawian players with protections against fraud and unfair practices while supporting revenue generation for national development projects through the Gaming and Lotteries Fund.
Source:
https://magla.org.mw
https://www.vixio.com/insights/gc-malawi-unveils-gambling-regulation-details
Last updated: 01-11-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
