Mauritius’ Gambling Regulatory Authority sets rules for racing stable operators
The GRA’s 2027 guidelines require stable applicants to disclose ownership details, demonstrate financial capacity and meet management requirements.
Key takeaways:
- Mauritius’ GRA has published detailed ownership and financial requirements for 2027 stable licence applicants.
- Applicants must disclose directors, shareholders, beneficial owners, ultimate beneficial owners and investors.
- Stable applicants must provide a MUR3m (US$64,000) bank guarantee upon licence approval and submit a list of at least 15 horses.
- Financial documentation includes bank references, six months of bank statements and three-year business forecasts.
- Applications for trainer and stable licences close on November 30, 2026.
Mauritius.- Mauritius’ Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) has strengthened due-diligence requirements for racing stable licence applicants ahead of the 2027 horse-racing season, introducing additional checks on corporate ownership, financial standing and management suitability. Applications for trainer and stable licences close on November 30, 2026, with the new requirements placing greater scrutiny on the businesses and individuals seeking to operate in the sector.
While the GRA previously outlined the 2027 licensing process and application deadline, its Stable Licence Application Guidelines 2027 provide further detail on the conditions applicants must meet.
Applicants must disclose details of directors, shareholders, beneficial owners, ultimate beneficial owners and investors, alongside supporting identity and corporate registration documents. They must also provide bank references for the company and its shareholders, as well as certificates of character valid for six months for directors, shareholders, beneficial owners and investors.
Existing companies must provide financial statements or audited accounts covering the previous two years. Applicants must also submit six months of bank statements for the company, its owner or investors, showing evidence of transactions and funds from the account intended for use. Other requirements include a feasibility report and a business plan containing financial forecasts for the next three years.
The GRA also requires evidence of sufficient working capital and financial resources to maintain horses and staff. Applicants must provide a MUR3m (US$64,000) bank guarantee at the time of licence approval and submit a list of at least 15 horses.
The guidelines further require a quotation and details of professional indemnity insurance cover, a stable lease letter of engagement with the HRO, a letter of intent to engage a trainer accompanied by a signed agreement, and contracts with horse owners. Applicants must also submit a declaration of assets and liabilities.
The requirements extend to stable management and personnel. All directors and managers must apply for Personal Management Licences once the stable licence has been granted, while grooms working at the stable must be registered with the regulator.
The GRA has stated that late applications will not be accepted. The Authority says its licensing policy is intended to ensure that only competent, responsible and financially viable individuals are approved to manage stables, while protecting the integrity of racing and the welfare of horses.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- What are Mauritius’ 2027 racing stable licensing requirements? Applicants must disclose ownership details, provide financial documentation, demonstrate operational capacity and meet the regulator’s management and personnel requirements.
- How much is the bank guarantee for a Mauritius stable licence? The GRA requires a MUR3m (US$64,000) bank guarantee at the time of licence approval.
- What financial documents must stable licence applicants provide? Applicants must provide bank references, six months of bank statements, a feasibility report and a business plan with three-year financial forecasts. Existing companies must also submit financial statements or audited accounts covering the previous two years.
- When is the deadline for Mauritius 2027 stable licence applications? The deadline for trainer and stable licence applications is November 30, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
