Approval of the Regulation on the Exploitation and Practice of Online Games of Chance in Mozambique
Decree No. 61/2026 of 21 September approved the Regulation on the Exploitation and Practice of Online Games of Chance, which establishes the legal framework applicable to the exploitation and practice of games of chance through electronic platforms in Mozambique.
The new Regulation aims to establish the conditions for accessing and carrying out this activity, defining the requirements applicable to interested entities, as well as the rules governing licensing, exploitation, supervision and player protection.
In this context, the Regulation establishes a set of requirements and procedures applicable to the exploitation and practice of online games of chance, covering, among other matters, access to the activity, the concession and licensing regime, the obligations of concessionaires, player protection and the supervision of the activity. The following aspects are particularly noteworthy:
Reservation of the Right to Exploit and Eligible Entities
The exploitation and practice of online games of chance is subject to the concession and licensing regime provided for in the Regulation and is reserved for entities that meet the legally established requirements and obtain the relevant authorisation.
Interested entities must adopt the legal form required by the Regulation and comply with the requirements relating to their incorporation, corporate structure and national participation.
Notably, the Regulation expressly creates and defines, as online games of chance, the regulatory categories of "multiplier games" and "instant games" (including digital scratch cards). It further clarifies that a licence under this new regime is separate from, and does not substitute, a social and amusement games licence.
Participation of National Shareholders
The Regulation establishes specific requirements regarding the participation of national citizens or entities in the share capital of concessionaire companies, providing for a minimum national shareholding of 26% in cases where the shareholders are legal entities.
Concession and Licensing Procedure
The carrying out of the activity is subject to the granting of a concession and the corresponding licence, through a procedure conducted by the competent authorities.
Interested entities must submit the documents and information required by the Regulation, including information concerning their corporate structure, organisation, and technical and financial capacity, as well as any other elements necessary for the assessment of the application.
Requirements of Good Standing and Technical and Financial Capacity
For the purposes of concession and licensing, interested entities must demonstrate that they have the good standing, technical capacity and financial capacity appropriate to carrying out the activity.
Among the financial requirements established, particular mention should be made of the minimum share capital requirement of MZN 100,000,000.00, as well as the provision of two guarantees in the amounts of MZN 15,000,000.00 and MZN 10,000,000.00, respectively, in accordance with the terms established by the Regulation.
Duration, Renewal and Transfer of the Licence
The exploitation licence is granted for a specified period and may be renewed subject to compliance with the conditions and procedures provided for in the Regulation.
The transfer of the licence is also subject to the conditions and approval of the competent authorities and may not take place freely or outside the established control regime.
Obligations of Concessionaires
Concessionaires are subject to a set of obligations aimed at ensuring the proper conduct, transparency and security of the activity.
Among other obligations, they must ensure the proper functioning of electronic platforms, comply with player identification and monitoring rules, maintain the required records, guarantee the integrity of transactions and provide the competent authorities with the information necessary for the exercise of their supervisory functions.
Tax Regime and Contributions
The exploitation of online games of chance is subject to the applicable tax regime, including the special tax on online games of chance.
The Regulation also provides for contractual contributions corresponding to at least 2.5% each, calculated on annual gross revenue after deduction of prizes paid, in accordance with the terms established therein.
Prohibitions, Responsible Gaming and Advertising
The Regulation establishes restrictions on the exploitation and practice of online games of chance, as well as measures aimed at promoting responsible gaming and preventing practices that may be harmful to players.
In the area of advertising, it provides for the obligation to give prior notification to the competent authorities at least five business days in advance, in accordance with the Regulation.
Supervision and Sanctions Regime
The activity is subject to supervision by the competent authorities, which have the power to verify compliance with the applicable legal and regulatory provisions.
Failure to comply with the obligations set out in the Regulation may result in the imposition of fines and other sanctions, including ancillary measures.
The fines are graded according to the nature and seriousness of the infringement, with penalties ranging from 100 to 150, 75 to 90, and 50 to 70 minimum wages in the financial sector, depending on the infringement committed, without prejudice to any other consequences provided for by law.
Final Remarks
The approval of this Regulation represents an important step towards establishing the legal framework applicable to the exploitation of online games of chance in Mozambique, setting out specific requirements for access to the activity and strengthening the sector’s supervision and control mechanisms.
Entities intending to carry out this activity in Mozambique should therefore assess the applicable concession and licensing requirements, as well as the relevant operational, financial and regulatory obligations.
Entry into Force
Pursuant to Decree No. 61/2026 of 21 September, the Regulation enters into force 60 days after its publication, taking effect on 20 November 2026.
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