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Mozambique Enacts New iGaming Framework Under Decree No. 61/2026

Mozambique Enacts New iGaming Regulations – Operators Face Strict Capital and Ownership Requirements

Key Takeaways

• The new Decree No. 61/2026 goes into effect on November 20 to regulate online gambling operations.
• Foreign operators must ensure at least 26% of Mozambican ownership to secure a valid state concession.
• Capital requirements reach up to 100 million meticals, with all platform transactions restricted to the local currency.
• The government will tax operators between 20% to 35% of their Gross Gaming Revenue based on the license duration.

Decree No. 61/2026 introduces strict financial and structural entry barriers

Mozambique is advancing its regulatory oversight of the online gambling sector with the implementation of a new framework. The Ministry of Economy announced that the new rules, outlined in Decree No. 61/2026, will officially take effect on November 20. This legislation requires any online casino operation to secure a formal state concession incorporated under local Mozambican law.

The framework imposes significant structural conditions on companies looking to enter the market. The required shareholding structure mandates that at least 26% of the business must be held by Mozambican owners. This rule ensures that local stakeholders maintain a substantial presence in the digital gaming sector.

Financial prerequisites for securing a concession are equally rigorous. Online casino operators must provide capital amounting to 100 million meticals, which equals approximately $1.6 million. The government has also stipulated that the metical is the only accepted fiat currency for all transactions within these platforms.

Taxation schedules and market growth attract major international operators

The financial obligations for licensed operators include a variable tax rate on their earnings. Taxation will range from 20% to 35% of the operator’s Gross Gaming Revenue. The exact percentage applied to a specific operator will depend directly on the length of the license they obtain.

The government initially promulgated this unique framework for online gambling and games of chance in July. Authorities noted that regulatory oversight had lagged behind the rapid proliferation and adoption of digital gaming across the country. The updated rules are designed to enable high channelisation rates, moving players away from unlicensed alternatives and into the regulated market.

International companies are already positioning themselves to capitalize on the newly structured Lusophone market. Neal Menashe, Chief Executive Officer of Super Group, highlighted Mozambique as a key growth area during his third-quarter financial results call in 2026. He noted that the market offers an attractive structure meant to increase operator engagement and solidify the group’s leadership position across Africa.

New operational guidelines specifically target digital gaming environments

The transformation of the Mozambican gaming industry required specific rules that separate digital platforms from traditional physical venues. Amosse Ubisse, Business Development Director at Rindzeela Wise Group in Maputo, stated that the reforms are a necessary adaptation to industry changes. He explained that the decree establishes clear, specific requirements for online gaming that differ entirely from land-based operations.

This separation provides greater legal certainty for both operators and investors looking to navigate the jurisdiction. The proposed structure introduces standardized requirements across multiple operational areas. These include strict guidelines for operator licensing, technical systems, financial management, and routine reporting to regulatory bodies.

Industry experts believe these standardized procedures will encourage a more established and professional gaming ecosystem in Mozambique. Ubisse noted that the regulations will contribute significantly to improving the overall efficiency, transparency, and sustainability of the country’s online gaming operations. The mandate ensures that regulatory supervision is directly tailored to the unique technical demands of the digital space.

Financial transparency measures combat money laundering and illicit activities

A core component of the new framework focuses heavily on strengthening financial accountability within the gaming sector. The digital gambling industry inherently faces exposure to significant financial crime risks, prompting regulators to prioritize strict countermeasures. The decree provides a direct opportunity to reinforce Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing practices across all licensed platforms.

Operators must implement standardized financial management systems to comply with the new rules. This focus on financial transparency acts as a vital safeguard against money laundering and the potential financing of terrorist activities. Regulators view these strict compliance measures as essential for maintaining the integrity of the national financial system.

The restriction of fiat transactions exclusively to the local metical further aids in this monitoring process. Limiting operations to a single, localized currency simplifies financial transparency for regulatory bodies overseeing the sector. This streamlined financial environment makes it easier to ensure full compliance with national security standards.

Integrated responsible gaming policies prioritize advanced player protection

The new regulations place a heavy emphasis on safeguarding the consumer alongside the financial and structural requirements. The Ministry of Economy emphasized that the decree stipulates every necessary step toward advanced player protection. The overarching goal is to create a safer and more trustworthy gaming environment for all Mozambican users.

The principles of responsible gaming will be fully integrated into the legal structure governing online casinos. Operators are required to adopt responsible gaming policies as a fundamental operational safeguard rather than a secondary consideration. These policies are designed to protect vulnerable individuals and promote healthy engagement with online betting products.

Ubisse reiterated that these integrated measures directly strengthen the tools available to protect players from gambling-related harm. The clear guidelines ensure that all licensed platforms operate with a uniform standard of care. This focus on consumer safety works in tandem with the broader efforts to eliminate the unlicensed market and its associated risks.

Our Assessment

Mozambique’s Decree No. 61/2026 represents a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s approach to digital gambling. By enforcing a 26% local ownership rule and setting high capital thresholds, the government is ensuring that only serious, well-capitalized entities enter the regulated space. The strict enforcement of metical-only transactions and robust Anti-Money Laundering standards highlight a clear focus on financial security and transparency. The variable taxation rate on Gross Gaming Revenue provides a structured economic model for the state, while the mandatory responsible gaming policies establish a clear standard for player protection. This framework creates a highly defined, regulated market designed to maximize local benefits while mitigating the risks associated with digital gaming expansion.