All forms of gambling became legal in Malawi when the Gaming Act was passed in 1996. Moreover, this act also established the Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA), which is tasked with overseeing all forms of gambling and issuing valid operating licenses to gaming operators. Besides regulating gambling, this body also oversees the national lottery as well, giving it a full overview of all types of games of chance.

As of now, there are only two land-based casinos with valid licenses in Malawi, Kairo International Limited and American Pirates Casino Ltd. However, online gambling, and for that matter online casinos, are not regulated by the Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA) because the 1999 Gaming Act did not mention any online casinos, and the Act it hasn’t been changed ever since. This means that online casinos cannot legally operate in Malawi, despite not being explicitly prohibited, which leaves the citizens to search for overseas online casinos.

If a company wants to apply for an operating license for a casino in Malawi, they have to go with the Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA). This is the regulatory body that will issue a valid license that will give a company the chance to operate in Malawi. However, since online gambling is not covered by this license, online casinos can’t apply for one.

Currently there are some 200 casinos accepting players from Malawi. These online casinos almost exclusively offer their services in English, because that is the country’s official language. However, they accept wagers in the country’s currency, Kwacha. Since there are no local licenses, you should always stick to those online casinos regulated by reputable licensing bodies such as the MGA, the Government of Curacao, or similar.

Since there aren’t local licenses for online casinos accepting players from Malawi, players need to be careful when choosing among one of many offshore casinos. Stick to those that have reputable licenses, whose games undergo regular third-party audits, and always check out player reviews before depositing any money.