Malawi gambling regulator engages major operators after 15% winnings tax shake-up
Betway, betPawa and Premier Bet engage in strategic consultations with MAGLA as the new levy prompts operational reviews, market assessments and regulatory reinforcement.
Malawi.- The Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA) has moved quickly to engage the country’s leading betting operators following the introduction of a 15 per cent tax on all player winnings, signalling a hands-on approach to managing one of the sector’s biggest fiscal shifts in years.
The tax, introduced through the Taxation (Amendment) (No. 2) Act of 2025, effective December 31, 2025, removed previous tax-free thresholds and raised withholding on gambling winnings from 10 per cent to 15 per cent. The change immediately prompted concern among operators and players over potential market disruption.
Following the tax shake-up, MAGLA is consulting the sector. Betway, betPawa and Premier Bet have been involved in discussions to assess operational challenges and market impacts.
MAGLA Director General Rachel Mijiga described the talks as part of a broader strategy. “We are gathering insights from operators and will engage the Ministry of Finance and other stakeholders to arrive at a win‑win situation for government, investors and the people of Malawi,” she said, according to the Nyasa Times.
MAGLA’s consultative process is expected to reduce the risk of market disruption, including shifts in player behaviour or moves to unregulated betting platforms.
MAGLA drives sector stability
In January, Mijiga projected that MAGLA expects 60 per cent growth in the sector in the coming financial year and that public awareness campaigns on responsible gambling would continue alongside ongoing consultations.
Minister of Industrialisation, Business, Trade and Tourism George Partridge has also been part of the discussions, emphasising evidence-based policy and balanced industry engagement.
The consultations are happening alongside enforcement actions. In December 2025, MAGLA destroyed 24 illegal gaming machines valued at K20m (€9 736), underscoring the regulator’s commitment to compliance. At the same time, the authority has ramped up responsible gambling training for licensed operators.
As Malawi adjusts to the higher tax regime, these conversations could influence market stability, investor confidence and the long-term trajectory of the regulated gambling sector. MAGLA’s mix of consultation, enforcement, and public education could set a benchmark for emerging African gaming markets facing fiscal reform.
