Madagascar has begun to significantly tighten its gambling legislation following the Parliament’s move to introduce Bill No. 019/2026. The draft proposes stricter oversight on gambling licensing, credible player protection strategies, and comprehensive AML (Anti-Money Laundering) requirements.
The East African nation, governed by the Ministry of the Interior and Decentralisation, had largely operated a grey market since legalizing gambling in 1971. The industry saw its first modern updates in 2022 when the government began offering licenses to land-based casinos to operate electronic games.
Key Provisions of the New Legislation
- New Minimum Age: The legal gambling age in the country will be raised to 21.
- Responsible Gambling Mechanics: Every licensed operator will be required to implement responsible gaming tools, including self-exclusion portals, strict age verification models, and limits on deposits and stakes.
- Stricter Penalties: Under the new framework, offenders could face up to five years in prison, while financial penalties could range from Ar10 million to Ar50 million for severe violations.
Pending presidential consent, this move marks a critical step for Madagascar in bolstering an industry that has markedly outgrown its original oversight methodologies.
Africa Setting the Pace with Modern Frameworks
Madagascar’s regulatory shift aligns with a broader movement across Africa. According to projections by H2 Gambling Capital, unregulated sports betting and iGaming markets across the continent could result in revenue leakages exceeding $11 billion over the next five years if left unchecked.
While more advanced markets like Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa have already established strong frameworks, regions that previously operated in grey zones are adopting cogent regulations. Zimbabwe recently modernized its system through the Lotteries and Gaming Act, Mozambique kickstarted oversight on electronic gaming, and both Rwanda and Angola are currently navigating transitions toward stricter, regulated gaming regimes.
