Malawi cracks down on underage gambling with strict new regulations

The Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA) has introduced new, stringent regulations prohibiting people under the age of 18 from participating in any form of gambling with the aim of protecting minors from the “adverse effects associated with gambling activities”.

As reported in the Nyasa Times, MAGLA’s Director General, Racheal Mijiga, announced these measures during a regulations sensitization workshop in Mangochi, attended by operators, industry experts, and media representatives. Mijiga said, “We must protect our youth from the serious social and psychological risks that gambling poses. That is why the new regulations are clear; anyone found entertaining children under the age of 18 to participate in gambling activities will face a fine of (Kwacha) K20 million ($11,500).”

The authority has previously expressed concerns over the increasing prevalence of gambling addiction in Malawi, attributing it to a lack of understanding about gambling’s recreational nature. Mijiga highlighted that many individuals perceive gambling as a form of employment rather than entertainment, leading to severe consequences such as depression and hospitalization.

In response to the new regulations, Betway’s Chief Operations Officer, Charles Phiri, expressed full support and underscored the importance of protecting young people from gambling-related dangers. Phiri remarked, “We fully welcome these developments. Betway is committed to complying with the new regulations, and we will ensure our staff is thoroughly trained on the new rules.”

To enhance public awareness, MAGLA has been proactive in engaging the media to disseminate information about responsible gambling. The authority, in collaboration with Bwaila Media Club (BMC), conducted a media training session in Lilongwe’s Area 44, attracting 40 journalists from the Central Region. MAGLA’s Director of Operations, Lawrence Chikoko, emphasized the media’s critical role in raising awareness, stating, “Media is the fourth estate, as it is commonly known. Whatever we are doing, we are not doing it in the darkness; it is for the public to know. Involving the media is the best way to disseminate what we are doing.”

Chikoko also highlighted the necessity of educating the public about the recreational nature of gambling, noting that excessive gambling, particularly among the youth, is often due to unemployment and lack of activities. He stated, “We need awareness that gaming is leisure. We’ve noticed that especially among the youth, due to unemployment and lack of activities, they spend too much time gambling. Everyone should know there are limits to how much one can gamble.”

Furthermore, MAGLA has established an electronic monitoring system, mandating the integration of all operators to promote compliance and enhance transparency within the sector.

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