Mozambique is moving ahead with a standalone regulatory framework for online gambling, separating digital operations from the licensing regime governing land-based casinos.
The Council of Ministers approved the Regulation on the Operation and Practice of Games of Chance through Electronic or Computerised Media on July 14.
The framework establishes online gambling as a separate activity conducted through electronic platforms, computer systems and other forms of remote digital access, with its own concession and regulatory requirements.
Mozambique’s government is now working with operators on implementation of the new rules.
Basílio Muhate, economy minister, said: “We urge the private sector to play its part in promoting responsible gambling.
“We have also observed that our society, particularly young people, has been feeling the effects.”
Muhate said the government wants the new framework to strengthen oversight, improve transparency and reduce the social impact associated with irresponsible gambling.
He added: “These rules, these regulations we are introducing, are precisely designed to prevent and remedy these situations.”
The regulatory changes come as Mozambique records weaker tax receipts from its land-based casino sector.
Casinos generated MZN359.5m (US$5.6m) in tax revenue during 2025, equivalent to 54% of the government’s MZN666.1m ($10.4m) target.
The Ministry of Finance attributed part of the shortfall to a “significant increase in online gambling”, which it said had reduced visits to physical casinos.
The Mozambican Gambling and Betting Association has backed the new framework.
Danilo Mussá, president of the association, said: “The approval of these regulations is part of the dynamic development of online gambling and will help to consolidate the growth of this activity.”
Mussá has also argued that clearer regulation will give authorities greater powers to act against offshore gambling websites serving Mozambican players without contributing domestic taxes.
The government has said its next priority is to implement the new regulatory instruments and establish stronger supervision of the expanding online market.
