MAGLA destroys K20m worth of illegal casino machines
The machines belonged to a Chinese national who ran an unlicensed casino at the Lilongwe Game Complex.
Malawi.- Malawi’s gambling regulator, the Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA), has destroyed 24 illegal gaming machines worth K20m (€9,800) after a court ordered their disposal. The machines belonged to a Chinese national who ran an unlicensed casino at the Lilongwe Game Complex, violating national regulations.
Authorities acted on a public tip-off, leading to an inspection that uncovered the unauthorised operation. MAGLA’s acting director of legal services, Owen Chuma, noted that the case was brought before the Principal Resident Magistrate Court in Lilongwe, where the operator admitted guilt.
He said: “The matter was reported to the Malawi Police Service and taken to court, where the operator pleaded guilty to the offence.”
The court imposed a K1m (€490) fine and directed the machines’ destruction under the Gaming and Lotteries Act, which prohibits unlicensed gaming to maintain industry standards. The destruction took place on December 22, 2025 at a Lilongwe City Council waste facility, with representatives from the court, police, city officials and media present to ensure openness. A certificate confirming the action was issued to MAGLA afterwards.
Chuma stressed the need for operators to secure licences before starting a business, including guidance on importing equipment. He noted: “Operators must follow correct procedures by applying for a licence. We guide them on what is required even before importing gaming machines, to avoid such violation.”
