Mozambique's online casino rules take effect on November 20

Mozambique's new online casino regulation will take effect on November 20. The ownership, capital, payment and data requirements that were not included in the framework approved by ministers in July are set out in detail in the published regulation. The regulation, approved by Decree 61/2026 dated September 21, takes effect 60 days after its publication.

As a starting point, the regulation requires a guarantee of 25 million MZN (391,216 dollars), two revenue-based contributions to the contract, and mandatory game limits set by players themselves. The minimum share capital has been set at 100 million MZN. The regulator may raise this amount to a higher level.

The November 20 date does not mean automatic commercial start. Operators must first obtain a concession and an operating licence. Certification of the gaming system and regulatory approval must also generally be completed before operations begin.

Concessions will be granted to joint-stock companies established under Mozambican law. The regulation allows more than one concession holder, and online casino concessions are legally kept separate from land-based casino concessions. Two groups can apply: companies operating land-based casinos in Mozambique, and operators that hold betting and online gaming licences in the country and meet the new requirements. Operating a land-based casino is not mandatory for an online concession.

Article 8 of the regulation requires that, where a shareholder is a legal entity, at least 26% of its paid-up capital be held by Mozambican shareholders headquartered in the country. This stake must be maintained throughout the concession and cannot be reduced without prior permission. Two separate guarantees are added to the capital requirement under Article 23: 15 million MZN for player balances and possible penalties, and 10 million MZN for payment of the special online gambling tax.