Mozambique’s gambling industry has grown steadily in recent years, offering numerous opportunities for operators looking to enter the market. This post examines the gambling licensing requirements in Mozambique, including the costs, timelines, and services operators will need to get their platform live.
Gambling Licensing in Mozambique
The gambling sector in Mozambique is regulated by the National Institute of Games of Chance (INJC), which oversees all gaming and betting activities in the country. To operate legally, gambling operators must obtain a licence from the INJC. The licensing process is relatively straightforward compared to other African countries, with minimal bureaucracy and clear guidelines.
Operators must submit detailed documentation, including proof of financial stability, a business plan, and evidence of compliance with international standards regarding anti-money laundering (AML) and responsible gambling. The application process also includes a thorough audit of the gambling platform’s security measures to ensure that user data and funds are adequately protected.
Costs and Timeline
In Mozambique, the costs associated with obtaining a gambling licence are generally lower than in more regulated markets such as South Africa or Nigeria. The initial application fee ranges from $3,000 to $6,000, depending on the scale of the operation. The licensing process typically takes between 3 to 6 months, which is relatively fast compared to countries like Kenya, where it can take up to a year.
Essential Services Before Launching
- Payment Integration: Operators must ensure seamless payment processing by partnering with local and international payment providers such as PayPal, Skrill, and local mobile money services like M-Pesa and MTN Mobile Money.
- Customer Support: Multilingual customer support is critical for serving the diverse population of Mozambique. Portuguese and English are the main languages, but providing support in local languages such as Makhuwa can also be beneficial.
- Gaming Software Providers: Collaboration with well-established software providers such as Microgaming and NetEnt is essential for ensuring smooth operations and compliance with gaming standards.