Some betting operators in Malawi are facing serious allegations that they used dummy accounts with artificially inflated balances and manipulated results to showcase multimillion-kwacha wins and attract new players.
Whistleblowers have also provided material they say shows underage users accessing betting platforms. The allegations were reported by Malawi24 and have not been independently verified.
Betting promoters allegedly shown “fake” wins
One whistleblower who previously promoted a betting platform said they were given a special account showing a balance of K30 million. They alleged that the displayed funds were not real and could not be withdrawn like a normal customer balance.
The whistleblower said they were instructed to play using the account and record the results. Those videos could then be shared on social media as apparent evidence of large real-world wins.
Malawi24 also reported claims that some public figures and promoters may have shared screenshots and videos of large wins using accounts linked to betting companies.
The publication stressed that it could not independently establish the extent of involvement of specific public figures.
If substantiated, potential customers may have been shown specially prepared promotional accounts rather than ordinary player experiences, creating an artificial impression of large gambling wins.
Underage access raises age-verification questions
Separate material supplied by whistleblowers allegedly points to cases of children accessing betting platforms.
That raises questions about age-verification systems and operator controls. The issue is particularly notable because Malawi already restricts gambling advertising hours to reduce exposure among children.
The Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA) has previously imposed restrictions on when gambling advertisements can appear in media. Under Directive No. 1 of 2025, such advertising is permitted only between 9pm and 6am.
Regulator faces questions over enforcement
The allegations have put additional pressure on MAGLA, which has been criticised by sources for insufficient oversight of operators.
Malawi24 also reported claims that individuals connected to the regulator may have received illegal payments from operators. However, there is currently no evidence establishing that MAGLA officials received bribes.
The publication said it had sought responses from the betting company named in the allegations and the Malawi Gaming Board.
For now, the story remains a matter of allegations and whistleblower claims, rather than established violations. However, the combination of alleged fake wins, possible underage access and questions over regulatory enforcement puts the effectiveness of Malawi’s gambling oversight under scrutiny.
