TLDR Mozambique’s Council of Ministers approved a new regulation for online gambling, separating it from land-based casino rules. The framework treats digital gambling as its own independent category for the first time. Casino tax revenue fell short of government targets in 2025, partly blamed on the rise of online betting. Mozambique already requires large capital investments from land-based casino operators in cities like Maputo and Beira. The gambling framework follows new rules limiting unwanted SMS marketing from betting companies.
Mozambique has passed its first standalone law for online gambling. The Council of Ministers approved the new regulation during a weekly meeting this week.
The rule is called the Regulation on the Operation and Practice of Games of Chance through Electronic or Computerised Means. It creates a separate licensing system just for online operators.
Before this law, online betting fell under general gambling rules. Those rules were built mainly for physical casinos.
Council spokesperson Inocêncio Impissa said the new law treats online gambling as its own category. He described it as an independent activity, separate from land-based casino concessions.
Falling Casino Revenue Pushed the Change
Government data shows a drop in casino tax income. The Ministry of Finance’s 2025 Budget Execution Report found that casino taxes brought in about $4.8 million.
That number was only 54% of the $8.8 million the government had expected for the year. It was also lower than the $5.1 million collected in 2024.
Officials pointed to the growth of online games as a reason for the shortfall. They said more players are choosing to bet online instead of visiting physical casinos.
Mozambique currently has casino and slot machine licenses in several cities. These include Maputo, Matola, Beira, Tete, Nampula, and Pemba.
Casino operators face high entry costs. They must hold at least $2.7