Malawi casino application window set to shut on July 15 as cut-off nears
Prospective operators face a July 15 deadline as MAGLA prepares to close its latest land-based casino licensing window.
Malawi.- Malawi’s land-based casino licensing window is entering its final days, with applications set to close on July 15. The deadline will bring the Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority’s (MAGLA) latest sports betting and casino licence application drive to a close.
The regulator invited qualified local and foreign applicants to submit applications for consideration for the grant of a land-based casino licence under Section 18 of the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 2022.
In its public notice, MAGLA said: “Applications must be received not later than 15th July 2026 at 16:30 hours.”
Malawi’s latest licensing round comes as MAGLA’s published list of licensed operators identifies four casino locations in the country. These are Colony Club Casino Blantyre, Colony Club Casino Lilongwe, Casino Marina Lilongwe and Casino Marina Blantyre.
Request for Proposals (RFP) documents became available on June 8. Interested applicants are required to pay a non-refundable MWK500,000 (US$290) fee and provide proof of payment to obtain the documents.
Applicants must also submit complete proposals in accordance with the RFP, including prescribed forms, supporting documentation and proof of payment of a separate non-refundable MWK500,000 (US$290) application fee.
The casino deadline follows the closure of Malawi’s separate sports betting licence application window on July 10. MAGLA opened both licensing processes in June, inviting local and foreign applicants to apply for new licences under separate processes.
Applicants will be subject to fit and proper, financial integrity, beneficial ownership and regulatory due diligence assessments in accordance with the Gaming and Lotteries Act, applicable regulations and the RFP.
MAGLA also stated that the invitation does not guarantee the award of a licence and reserves the right to reject any or all applications. Evaluation will be conducted in accordance with the Gaming and Lotteries Act, regulations and published RFP criteria.
