The Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA) successfully held a Responsible Gambling Workshop from 23rd to 24th April in Salima, bringing together key stakeholders in the gaming and sports betting industry to promote responsible gambling practices across the sector. The workshop was attended by licensed gaming and sports betting operators from across the country, who were taken through intensive sessions focused on enforcing responsible gambling measures within their operations. The aim was to equip operators with the knowledge and tools needed to safeguard players and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. In his opening remarks, MAGLA Board Chairperson Mr. Fredrick Changaya emphasized that gambling should be regarded solely as a form of entertainment—not as a means to escape poverty. He cautioned against the misconception that gambling is a quick route to wealth, advocating instead for hard work as the foundation for personal and national development. Mr. Changaya also stressed the importance of collective responsibility among operators, families, and stakeholders to protect children and vulnerable individuals from the harmful effects of gambling, particularly its potential mental health impact. Mr. Madalitso Gongwa, Manager of Mini Monte Gaming Limited, echoed the Chairperson’s sentiments, underscoring that gambling should never be seen as a source of income. He commended MAGLA for organizing the timely workshop, noting that it would help address critical challenges facing the gaming industry. The workshop also featured experts from the South African Responsible Gaming Foundation, who shared best practices and regional insights on promoting responsible gambling. Through this initiative, MAGLA continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering a safe and well-regulated gaming environment that protects consumers and supports sustainable industry growth. MAGLA’s Board Chairperson at the workshop

Stakeholders in the gaming and lotteries industry gathered in Mangochi from 10 to 12 March for a Gaming and Lotteries Regulations Sensitization Workshop organized by the Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA). The workshop aimed to raise awareness and promote compliance with newly gazetted regulations governing the sector. During the event, MAGLA Director General, Rachel Mijiga, emphasized the critical need for all operators to strictly adhere to the regulations, particularly those focused on protecting minors. She reiterated that children under the age of 18 are strictly prohibited from entering gambling premises or participating in any form of gambling activity. “This regulation is non-negotiable,” said Mijiga. “We are taking a firm stand against exposing children to gambling. Anyone found contravening this law will face serious consequences, including an individual fine of K20 million.” The sensitization workshop provided a platform for dialogue between the regulator and stakeholders, ensuring that all parties understand their responsibilities under the new regulatory framework. It also reinforced MAGLA’s commitment to creating a safer and more responsible gambling environment in Malawi. MAGLA’s Director General speaking at the workshop

The Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA) on Monday hosted Southern Region-based journalists to equip them with the knowledge to educate the public on responsible gambling and its regulations. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒂 𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒐𝒇 40 𝑱𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒔 from different media houses including Community Radio stations. Speaking during the opening of the training session, MAGLA Director General Racheal Mijiga emphasized the pivotal role of the media in driving awareness about gambling and its implications. “𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑎 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑎 𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑟𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑀𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑤𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑠 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑔𝑎𝑚𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑠, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑟 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑠, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑎𝑤𝑠 𝑔𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑦. 𝐺𝑎𝑚𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑎 𝑡𝑜𝑜𝑙 𝑡𝑜 𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑛 𝑎 𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔; 𝑖𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡,” said Mijiga. Mijiga urged the media to help dismiss misconceptions, ensuring the public understands gambling as a recreational activity. “The first responsibility starts with me, as an individual, to understand what is expected when it comes to gambling, the benefits and the ills. The media’s role is to sensitize and drive awareness, highlighting that gambling should be approached as entertainment after meeting other financial obligations.” “The Authority has made strides in raising awareness. This year, we have intensified our efforts through mass door-to-door campaigns conducted monthly, and outreach programs at trading centres. These initiatives aim to educate people on what gambling is truly about,” explained Mijiga. Emmanuel Chibwana, Secretary General for the Southern Region Press Club, underscored the importance of journalists being well-informed about gambling and its regulations. “Journalists need to understand how gambling operates and the regulations involved for them to report responsibly. As you know, MAGLA is promoting responsible gambling, so as journalists, we need to know what responsible gambling is all about.” “If a journalist knows and has the information, it will be very easy for him or her to inform others. But for somebody who has no information, it becomes challenging to educate others,” said Chibwana. The training concluded with a call to action for journalists to champion responsible gambling through their platforms, ensuring the message reaches all corners of Malawi. MAGLA reiterated its commitment to working closely with the media to uphold its mandate of regulating the industry while protecting citizens.