Regulator and law enforcement unite to strengthen prevention, education, and compliance monitoring
Joint Campaign Launched in Central West Region
The Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA) has entered a strategic partnership with the Central West Region Police to address rising concerns over underage gambling. The collaboration marks a coordinated effort between regulatory and law enforcement bodies to prevent minors from participating in gambling activities, which remain strictly prohibited under Malawi’s legal framework.
Officials described the initiative as both a preventive and corrective measure aimed at safeguarding children and reinforcing responsible gambling standards across retail and digital environments.
Protecting Minors Through Awareness and Education
At the centre of the campaign is a broad-based education strategy designed to inform parents, teachers, and community leaders about the risks associated with youth gambling. Authorities highlighted that early exposure to betting can negatively affect academic performance, financial behaviour, and mental wellbeing.
MAGLA representatives stressed that many cases of underage gambling stem from insufficient supervision, peer influence, or easy access to betting outlets. As a result, the programme will feature school outreach sessions, community workshops, and public awareness drives explaining both the legal consequences and social harms linked to minors engaging in gambling.
Police Emphasise Monitoring and Enforcement
Law enforcement agencies are complementing educational efforts with heightened monitoring of gambling premises. Police officials warned that operators found allowing minors to place bets or collect winnings may face regulatory penalties or legal sanctions.
Beyond venue inspections, authorities are encouraging the public to report suspected violations. Community intelligence is seen as a critical component in identifying cases where minors attempt to bypass age restrictions or where operators fail to conduct adequate identity checks.
Legal Framework Leaves No Ambiguity
Under the Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Act, individuals under the age of 18 are not permitted to participate in any form of gambling. MAGLA reiterated that this prohibition applies universally across sports betting, lotteries, casino-style games, and online gambling platforms.
The regulator emphasised that age-verification controls are not optional compliance measures but mandatory obligations for licensed operators. Strengthening enforcement around this provision is considered essential to maintaining integrity within Malawi’s regulated gaming ecosystem.
Industry Responsibility Under the Spotlight
The campaign also sends a clear signal to operators regarding their duty of care. Businesses are expected to implement robust Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, staff training programmes, and technological safeguards to prevent underage access.
Industry stakeholders acknowledge that reputational risk, licensing stability, and long-term sustainability depend heavily on adherence to responsible gambling protocols. Failure to prevent underage participation could undermine public trust and trigger tighter regulatory scrutiny.
Community Involvement Key to Long-Term Success
Authorities underscored that preventing underage gambling is not solely the responsibility of regulators and police. Parents, guardians, educators, and community leaders all play a role in guiding youth behaviour and limiting exposure to gambling environments.
By combining regulatory oversight, policing resources, and grassroots awareness, MAGLA and law enforcement aim to build a stronger protective framework for young people. The initiative reflects a broader regional shift toward embedding social protection and responsible gambling principles into national gaming policies.
