Mozambique introduces dedicated online gambling framework

Mozambique's Council of Ministers has approved a fresh legal framework for the online gambling industry, creating a dedicated licensing regime for iGaming companies. This new structure is effectively separate from traditional land-based operations. Under the newly passed Regulation on the Operation and Practice of Games of Chance through Electronic or Computerized Means, online gambling is now treated as an autonomous licensing category. The decision comes at a time when digital transformation is reshaping how people across the African continent engage with entertainment and betting.

The push for this specific legislation was driven by fiscal necessity. Tax revenues from traditional, physical casinos in Mozambique have declined for two consecutive years. The Ministry of Finance reported that in 2025, only 54 percent of the projected taxes were actually collected. Instead of the anticipated $8.8 million, the state received only $4.8 million. By regulating the online sector more strictly, the government hopes to tap into a growing revenue stream while improving oversight in a market that is expanding rapidly due to mobile internet access.

Numbers and facts

Under the new regime, iGaming operators will be subject to a Special Tax on Gambling. This tax is calculated based on the gross gaming revenue (GGR). The rates are set between 20 percent and 35 percent, depending on the length of the concession. Inocêncio Impissa, a spokesperson for the Council of Ministers, explained that the new laws are intended to replace the previous system where digital gaming was supervised under the same rules as land-based casinos. The framework covers all digital games of chance offered via computer systems and electronic platforms.

International betting giants are already positioning themselves. 888, the UK-based gaming giant, recently launched 888AFRICA. This venture has already secured licenses in Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia. Industry estimates suggest that the total African gambling market could reach a value of $5.6 billion by 2030, making it a key growth region for global operators.

"The new laws are aimed at replacing the former system under which iGaming was supervised by broader casino rules." - Inocêncio Impissa, Spokesperson for the Council of Ministers

Background

In the past, online gambling operators in Mozambique had to rely on concessions that were primarily designed for land-based casinos. This created a grey area and limited the government's ability to regulate the specific nuances of digital play. With the new laws now in place, online casino operators will be required to receive licenses specifically for digital gaming activities. This autonomy allows for better regulation and oversight, which is crucial as the industry grows. Operators like 888bet are already tailoring products to local needs, offering services in Portuguese, Swahili, and English and optimizing for mobile payments.

Why it matters for German players

While the changes in Mozambique might seem distant, they reflect a global trend towards national regulation. For players in Germany, this is a reminder of the importance of playing on licensed sites. In Germany, the Fourth State Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021) dictates the rules. German players must stick to casinos on the official GGL whitelist. These platforms offer protections such as the 1,000 Euro monthly deposit limit and the 1 Euro maximum bet per spin on virtual slots. These measures are monitored via the LUGAS system to prevent problem gambling.

A license from Mozambique, much like those from Curacao or Malta, does not grant permission to offer games to residents of Germany. Only the GGL license ensures that German consumer rights are protected. If a player uses an unlicensed site, they lose the ability to seek legal recourse through German authorities if a payout is refused.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For operators holding a German GGL license, the global trend toward stricter licensing regimes confirms their strategic choice to operate in a regulated market. While tax rates in Mozambique between 20 and 35 percent GGR are high, they are part of a broader move to legitimize the industry. In Germany, GGL-licensed casinos must compete in a highly regulated environment that includes the five-second rule between spins and no autoplay features. However, these regulations provide a safe and sustainable market for both the companies and their customers. Clear rules in countries like Mozambique help stabilize the global reputation of the iGaming industry, separating professional operators from shadow market actors.