Malawi has enjoyed a thriving gambling and betting economy since 1986, when the country’s first gaming act was introduced by the Malawi Gaming Board. Since then, establishments have been able to apply for a local license to offer their services to local people, while being strictly regulated by the board.
With land-based casinos, online betting providers and an integral national lottery, Malawi really does offer a great experience to residents when it comes to gambling. While it’s considered in its youth compared to other countries throughout the world, Malawi’s gambling sector is only just getting started, and the national lottery has a lot to offer its residents.
How did Malawi’s national lottery begin?
The Malawi National Lottery has been around for almost a decade.
The Malawi National Lottery is privately owned by the National Lottery Group (NLG), a locally incorporated company with overseas shareholders. This includes eGame Solutions – a Hong Kong Based Company that provides technical solutions such as lottery terminals and third-party integration channels.
The National Lottery contributes significantly to the Malawi economy, with a significant amount of profits going to the Malawi government as tax contributions. These funds are then channeled back into the community by the government to support the development of infrastructure, as well as public and social services.
What lottery games are on offer?
There are currently two types of games residents can play through the Malawi National Lottery.
While Malawi is one of the smallest countries in Africa, statistics show that over 15 million Malawians play the lottery regularly. The motto of the National Lottery is to provide players with an innovative experience that will lead them closer to fulfilling their ambitions and promote community happiness.
Introduced in December 2011, there are two main National Lottery games that can be played in Malawi; Scratch N’ Win and the Lotto.
Scratch N’ Win
Scratch N’ Win is a type of instant scratch card game and is the most popular of the two Malawi National Lottery games. The main reason for this is that it’s cheaper to play and provides instant gratification, with less time to waiting to see if you’ve won.
It’s incredibly easy to play too. All you have to do is purchase the scratch card, scratch off the play area and reveal the prizes. For those that find a winning scratch card, there’s 60 days to claim the prize.
Scratch cards are highly poplar around the world and have even entered the digital sphere in countries such as the UK.
UK players no longer have to venture out to purchase a physical ticket, they can do it all online. With leading gambling sites such as 888 Casino, offering thrilling online scratch cards with themed games like Irish Riches and the Aztec Realm, as well as exciting bonus features such as free scratch games and mini games.
The Lotto
The Lotto is the second game in the Malawi National Lottery and is also highly popular among residents. The games are held twice a week on Tuesday and Friday evenings, and players must match six numbers and a bonus ball to win. The winning sequence is pulled out of a draw of 36 numbers. If no one wins, the prize just rolls over, making the total jackpot incredibly lucrative.
Who governs the National Lottery?
Gambling in Malawi is governed by the Malawi Gaming Board, established under the Gaming Act No. 26 in 1996. In 1998, the act was amended so that the Gaming Board had the power to:
- Issue licenses for good cause
- Cancel or suspend licenses
- Enquire into complaints against gaming companies
- Investigate cases at the direction of the Minister
- Regulate the procedure on a national scale.
There is also an additional layer of protection for the Malawi National Lottery as it is governed by the National Lotteries Board, created by the National Lotteries Act. The purpose of this board is to regulate all lotteries in Malawi, ensuring players are treated fairly and operators are maximizing the enjoyment and benefits that any lottery should bring to the nation.
The main duties of the National Lottery Board are to ensure:
- The National Lottery is run in accordance with the law.
- The interests of every participant are protected.
- The proceeds of the National Lottery are maximized and used in the most beneficial way.
Other forms of gambling in Malawi
Besides the National Lottery, there are two licensed casinos in Malawi that are incredibly popular. These are Colony Club casino, which is owned and operated by Kairo International Limited, and American Pirates Casino Limited. These two casinos offer a variety of world-class casino games, including blackjack, poker, roulette and slot machines.
While Malawi’s gaming industry is in its infancy compared to other countries across the globe, there is huge potential for growth that could have a significant impact on the economy. One of the standout factors of Malawi’s gaming sector is the heavy focus on the enjoyment factor and how the proceeds are funneled back into improving the community.
While the National Lottery offers individuals the chance to win a jackpot, it also offers communities the chance to grow and be supported by the funds raised and shows exciting prospects for the future.
