3 betting firms risk licence revocation

This was disclosed when Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Culture Michael Usi toured new offices of the Malawi Gaming Board and Lotteries Authority in Blantyre. Usi commended the Malawi Gaming Board and Lotteries Authority for what he called being a model institution in the management of affairs. In November last year, Malawi Gaming Board and Lotteries…

Three out of six betting and gambling licencees risk having their licences revoked for failure to operate.

This was disclosed when Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Culture Michael Usi toured new offices of the Malawi Gaming Board and Lotteries Authority in Blantyre.

Speaking after meeting the minister, MGBLA Board Chairperson Bernard Ndau said the other three companies have commenced operations.

According to Ndau, the firms which are yet to start operations attribute the delay to economic hardships.

“The ones mentioning the Ukraine war are from that region and they are saying it has made it difficult for them to transfer funds but we are disappointed mostly with the other two who are not giving convincing reasons but the board will decide on all of them and their licences might be re-advertised,” he said.

Currently, Malawi has 12 companies operating in the betting and gambling sector.

Usi commended the Malawi Gaming Board and Lotteries Authority for what he called being a model institution in the management of affairs.

He said the government is committed to seeing the sector’s contribution to the economy increase.

“Currently, the sector’s contribution is at 0.03 percent but it has vast potential and, with the way things are being run, that will soon change and its contribution will grow,” he said.

In November last year, Malawi Gaming Board and Lotteries Authority awarded licences to Betika, Hollywood Bets, Headsquare, Mobipay, Kuwina and Betani.