Online betting is legal and regulated in Malawi. The Gaming and Lotteries Act, 2022 created the Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA) and brought online gaming, sports betting and lotteries under licensing. If you gamble with a MAGLA-licensed operator you are on the right side of the law; unlicensed offshore sites are not authorised, offer no local recourse, and should be treated with caution. Since the December 2025 tax changes, winnings are taxed at 15%, and everyday play runs on the Malawi kwacha through mobile money rather than cryptocurrency.

Who regulates gambling in Malawi?

MAGLA is the national regulator, established under the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 2022, which merged the former Malawi Gaming Board and National Lotteries Board into a single authority. MAGLA licenses and supervises casinos, gaming machines, sports betting, online gaming and lotteries, and has introduced an electronic monitoring system to support revenue collection and compliance.

Licensed vs offshore operators

Malawi requires operators to hold a MAGLA licence, and MAGLA publishes an official list of licensed operators. Licensed sports-betting brands include Betway (Golden Bay Ltd), betPawa (Kuwina Ltd), Premier Bet, Betika, World Star Betting, 888bets (Port Achia Trade Ltd), BetYanga (Supapesa Ltd), Bola Bet, Moors World of Sports and Mobipay, alongside licensed casinos and lottery operators. MAGLA publicly urges the public to avoid unlicensed operators.

The safest choice is a brand that appears on MAGLA’s published list. Offshore sites that are not licensed in Malawi fall outside this framework: you have no local complaints route, no guarantee of fair play or payout, and no regulated self-exclusion.

Payments: mobile money leads

Malawi is a mobile-money market, and the same rails power betting. The two dominant methods are Airtel Money and TNM Mpamba, both integrated with the major betting operators. Deposits are usually fast via a USSD menu or the operator’s own app, and withdrawals typically return to the same mobile wallet. Exact methods, limits and fees vary by operator, so check the operator’s terms.

Payment methodTypeNotes
Airtel MoneyMobile moneyWidely used
TNM MpambaMobile moneySecond major mobile wallet
Bank transfer / cardBankAvailability varies by operator
CryptocurrencyUnregulatedNot legal tender; not offered by licensed operators

Crypto status

The Reserve Bank of Malawi has publicly stated that cryptocurrencies are not legal tender in Malawi and are not a substitute for the kwacha. It has noted that no government body oversees crypto trading and has warned the public about the associated risks. In practice this means MAGLA-licensed gambling is kwacha-based via mobile money, and crypto-denominated betting is neither authorised nor protected.

Winnings tax

Malawi applies a 15% withholding tax on winnings on betting and gambling, including lotteries. Under the Taxation (Amendment) Act of 2025 the rate rose to 15% and the previous tax-free thresholds (reported as K100,000 and K500,000) were removed, effective 31 December 2025, so all winnings are now subject to the tax. The change prompted MAGLA to open consultations with major operators. Check the Malawi Revenue Authority for the current position before assuming a figure.

Staying safe

MAGLA enforces a minimum gambling age of 18, restricts gambling advertising on radio and TV to overnight hours, requires addiction warnings in adverts, and operates a responsible-gambling programme. It has a memorandum of understanding with Saint John of God Hospitaller Services to treat problem gamblers, with MAGLA covering treatment costs for referred individuals, and offers self-exclusion. If gambling stops being fun, set limits, use self-exclusion, and reach out early.

18+ only. Gambling can be addictive — please play responsibly. If you or someone you know is struggling, contact MAGLA on +265 999 985 333, toll-free 4252, or via magla.org.mw.

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