Promitions & Competitions Licensing

Promotions and Competitions Licensing Categories

All prize-based competitions and lotteries conducted in Malawi must be licensed in accordance with the Lotteries Act.

The Act defines a lottery broadly as any game, scheme, arrangement, system, plan, competition or device for distributing prizes by lot or chance.

Before applying, please review the categories below and select the one that best describes your activity.

1. General Promotional Competitions

Promotional competitions are prize-based activities conducted primarily to promote a brand, product, or service. Winners are selected by chance, which qualifies these activities as a lottery under the Lotteries Act.

Use this category if:

  • You are running a marketing-driven competition
  • Entry is linked to purchasing a product or service
  • Winners are selected randomly

Examples:

  • “Buy & Win” consumer promotions
  • SMS/USSD random-draw promotions
  • Social media lucky-draw campaigns

Required Form:
Application Form for General Promotional Competitions

Download Form or Apply Now 

2. Unspecified Lotteries

Unspecified lotteries include any lottery that does not fall under the National Lottery or a registered charitable lottery. These may involve raffles, draws, or games of chance where participants contribute for a chance to win.

Use this category if:

  • The lottery is not tied to a registered charity
  • It is not part of the National Lottery
  • It is not being used for product marketing

Examples:

  • Community club raffles
  • Private organizational lotteries
  • Fundraising draws without formal charitable registration

Required Form:
Application Form for Unspecified Lotteries

Download Form or Apply Now

3. Charitable Lotteries

Charitable lotteries are conducted solely to raise funds for charitable or public-benefit purposes. Proceeds must be used in ways approved by the Board.

Use this category if:

  • Proceeds support welfare or humanitarian projects
  • Funds go to education, medical, or community initiatives
  • The lottery is conducted by a registered non-profit or charity

Examples:

  • Church charity raffles
  • NGO fundraising draws
  • Community development lotteries

Required Form:
Application Form for Charitable Lotteries

Download Form or  Apply Now

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