Mozambique Approves Online Casino Licensing Framework

Mozambique has approved a dedicated regulatory framework for online gambling, establishing a separate licensing system distinct from existing requirements for land-based casinos, authorities confirmed this week.

One driver behind the reform is declining tax revenue from land-based casinos. The government collected $5.6 million from the segment in 2025, falling short of a planned $10.4 million target and marking a 7.3% decrease compared to the previous year. Authorities have linked the decline to growing online gambling activity drawing players away from land-based venues. The General Gaming Inspectorate has not yet disclosed specific market entry conditions or a timeline for their publication. Details including license costs, tax rates, capital requirements, technical standards, and the application process remain undefined at this stage.

Officials stated they intend to use the new framework to address offshore gambling brands that attract Mozambican players without paying taxes within the country. The move reflects a broader pattern among African regulators seeking to formalize online gambling markets partly in response to revenue leakage from unlicensed offshore operators, though the framework's practical impact will depend heavily on the licensing terms and enforcement mechanisms still to be announced by the Inspectorate.