The Malagasy government is reviewing Bill No. 019/2026 to regulate online betting, combat money laundering, and strengthen player protection. If passed by the National Assembly, operators will face strict new regulatory requirements.
Licensing and Infrastructure
- Online gambling falls under Category 4, requiring specific authorization from the Ministry of Interior.
- Operators are required to host their servers physically in Madagascar.
- Existing operators will be granted a one-year grace period to fully comply with the new framework.
Mandatory Data Platform
- All authorized online operators must connect to a new national gambling data platform.
- The platform will monitor daily operations, tax compliance, and financial flows for AML purposes.
- Failing to connect or submitting inaccurate information can result in administrative sanctions and up to three years in prison.
Player Protection and AML
- The legal gambling age is raised to 21.
- Gambling on credit is strictly prohibited, and operators must enforce deposit and time limits.
- Operating without a license or advertising illegal gambling carries penalties of up to 5 years in prison and fines of up to 50 million Ariary (~$11,600).
