Lottery tickets are legal in Malawi under the regulatory framework established by the Lotteries Act, which commenced on September 19, 2003. The Act provides for the regulation of National Lotteries and other lotteries, for the control and licensing of other lotteries, and for the generation of funds for economic development (1). The Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority, formed from a merger between the Malawi Gaming Board and National Lotteries Board, serves as the statutory body charged with licensing and regulating all gaming and lottery activities in the country.
The National Lotteries Board issues one licence at any time authorizing a person to conduct the National Lottery in accordance with the provisions of the Act (1). Before granting a licence, the Board must be satisfied that the applicant has sufficient knowledge or experience to conduct lotteries, possesses necessary financial resources, and that no political party or political office bearer has any direct financial interest in the applicant. Licenses are granted for a maximum period of five years and may be renewed for a further period of five years.
"The Board shall have the following functions— issue one licence to conduct the National Lottery as contemplated in subsection (1) of section 21 and any matter contemplated in paragraph (g) of subsection (3) of section 22."
The Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority regulates the gaming and lotteries industry to promote a positive social economic impact, with its mission centered on responsible industry oversight (2). The Authority has the power to license operators, supervise operations on a risk-based approach, and ensure that all games are operated in accordance with the law. Funds realized from arranging games of chance and lotteries are used to finance National Disability Organizations, citizen societies combating domestic violence, sports federations and clubs, and the Red Cross of Republic of Malawi.
Source:
https://malawilii.org/akn/mw/act/2003/9/eng@2014-12-31/source.pdf
https://magla.org.mw/organisation/
Last updated: 16-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
