Mozambique is moving to establish a dedicated regulatory framework for online gambling after the country’s Council of Ministers approved new rules covering games of chance offered through digital platforms.
The decision creates a separate concession system for online casino-style gaming, distinguishing digital gambling from the framework traditionally used for land-based casinos.
The new rules could mark an important shift for Mozambique’s iGaming market, particularly as authorities look to bring more online activity into the regulated economy and address the growing presence of offshore operators.
A separate framework for digital casino games
Mozambique already has regulations covering online sports betting, lotteries, raffles and virtual games.
The newly approved framework specifically targets online games of chance, including casino-style products delivered through electronic platforms, computer systems and other digital channels.
Until now, these activities had not been covered by a dedicated concession regime comparable to the one governing physical casino operations.
The move gives regulators a clearer legal structure for supervising online casino activity while potentially opening the door to a more formally regulated market.
Falling casino tax revenue adds pressure
The regulatory change comes as Mozambique’s physical casino sector faces declining tax revenues.
According to Ministry of Finance budget execution figures reported by Portuguese news agency Lusa, casino gaming-tax collections reached approximately MZN359.5 million ($5.6 million) in 2025.
That figure was 54% below the government’s budget target of MZN666.1 million ($10.4 million) and represented a 7.3% decline compared with the previous year’s collections.
Mozambican authorities have linked part of the decline to the growing popularity of online gambling, which they say has contributed to fewer visits to traditional casinos.
The government therefore appears to see the new framework not only as a regulatory measure, but also as a way to bring more online gambling activity into the formal economy.
Offshore operators also in focus
Another important issue surrounding the new framework is the activity of offshore gambling websites targeting Mozambican consumers.
Danilo Mussá, president of the Mozambican Association of Online Games and Betting, said the association intends to push for greater action against foreign websites operating without contributing taxes to the local economy.
He specifically mentioned working with the National Institute of Information and Communication Technologies (INTIC) to seek the blocking of offshore gambling sites.
“This approval is important because it gives us a legal instrument that will also enable us to combat foreign betting sites that enter our cyberspace,” Mussá told O País.
However, it is not yet clear whether the new regulation itself gives INTIC additional powers to block offshore operators.
Authorities promise stronger oversight
Economy Minister Basílio Muhate said combating illegal gambling and improving transparency would remain priorities as Mozambique develops its online market.
The country’s General Inspectorate of Games (IGJ) is responsible for supervising gambling activity.
Muhate also highlighted concerns around the social impact of gambling, particularly among younger people, and called on operators to play a role in addressing irresponsible gambling.
The comments suggest that responsible gambling and enforcement will form an important part of the regulatory approach as the online market develops.
Key details still to come
Although the framework has now been approved, several elements needed for operators to enter the market have yet to be disclosed.
Authorities have not yet published details covering licensing or concession fees, online gambling tax rates, minimum capital requirements, application procedures or technical standards.
These details will be crucial in determining how attractive Mozambique becomes to international iGaming operators and suppliers.
For now, the approval represents the creation of a formal legal foundation for online casino gaming in Mozambique, while the next phase will depend on how the government implements the framework and addresses offshore activity.