Casinos in Mozambique

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General Information

Since we don’t know from where in the world you’re reading this, we believe your answers to the following question may vary. But here it is : when we mention Mozambique, what comes to mind? We’re guessing rich African culture, the Serengeti, exotic wildlife, and if you’re a bit of a geography fan, perhaps even incredible, pristine beaches! Yet, we doubt you initially thought of a developed land-based gambling industry! Get ready to be surprised by the information that follows!

Before going into Mozambique’s exciting history of land-based gambling and the current laws, let’s start with some fundamental facts about this country to give you a clearer picture of this jewel on the world map! Mozambique is an African country on the coast of the Indian Ocean. Under foreign control for decades today is the place where over 43 languages are spoken - fascinating! If you thought so at the beginning, you were absolutely right - the country is indeed bursting with outstanding natural beauty, from spotless beaches to rich, exotic wildlife! With the elephant as the national animal, Mozambique offers a truly lively animal kingdom. For numerous reasons, it’s worth a visit, and soon you’ll see why it’s also a fantastic choice for land-based gambling!

History of Gambling in Mozambique

The ravishing land of Mozambique was discovered by Vasco da Gama during one of his daring sea voyages. Stunned by its incredible natural beauty, the Portuguese colonized the country soon after.

Mozambique remained under Portuguese control until 1975 when it finally gained its independence. However, gambling as a social activity didn’t arrive with the Portuguese. It had been practiced in Mozambique long before. Like in most African countries, gambling was a popular way for people to socialize and relax between hard physical work. However, when the Portuguese colonizers arrived, they saw its economic possibility and formalized gambling. The first land-based casino, Polana Casino, opened in 1996. It would seem logical to assume that the industry would grow steadily from that point, but issues arose in 1975 when Mozambique gained independence. Economic problems and cultural concerns encouraged the new government to prevent gambling. However, tradition won out, and the land-based gambling industry continued to grow by the early 1990s, with the government recognizing the industry’s economic benefits.

Current Mozambique Laws Regulating Gambling

The gambling industry in Mozambique experienced a boom in the mid-90s, with the largest number of casinos and betting houses opening at that time. To ensure the industry operated within a legal framework, prompt measures were taken to establish a regulatory code. The Mozambican Ministry of Tourism and Finance is responsible for creating and enforcing gambling laws. In 2004, the Law on Games of Chance was introduced, followed in 2005 by the Regulations on Games of Chance. These laws cover different gambing-related aspects such as licensing, operational criteria, and consumer protection, which are all, still enforced today.

Of course, Mozambique’s gambling regulation includes taxes and fees, which are significant - no surprise, given that financial well-being was the primary reason for legalizing land-based facilities. To promote responsible gambling, procedures are in place to prevent minors from accessing casino services; you must be at least 18 years old to gamble in Mozambique.

Top Places to Gamble in Mozambique

Casino Marina

One of the most famous land-based casinos in Mozambique, Casino Marina is situated in the capital, Maputo. This casino, which was opened in the early 90', stands as one of the first large, luxurious casino resorts in the region, marking a significant crossroads for Mozambique’s gaming industry in the early nineties. Casino Marina offers a wide variety of table games and slot machines, all designed in a classic style reminiscent of Las Vegas casinos. Visitors can enjoy lavish accommodations and a selection of restaurants offering local and international cuisine.

Casino Polana

Casino Polana claims to be the best place to gamble in Mozambique! While we can’t personally confirm this since we haven’t visited yet, but photos online do really suggest that Polana is an excellent choice for gamblers. This casino, as we mentioned, was the first casino ever to open on Mozambique soil; it started operating exactly on October 25, 1996, with 60 machines and 6 gaming tables; its offerings have grown significantly over the years. In a cozy, elegantly decorated space, guests can enjoy games like blackjack, roulette, and poker, along with slot machines. There’s also a possibility to enjoy dining and live music events from time to time.

The New Macau

The New Macau Casino is another top provider of land-based casino entertainment in Mozambique! Located near the Zambezi River in Tete, this casino offers a range of 14 board games and over 30 slot machines. Open daily from 14:00 to 04:00, the casino delivers a richly decorated space, improving the overall gaming experience.

Conclusion

Mozambique’s gambling scene has come a long way - from a modest pastime shared among friends to a fully regulated, modern land-based casino industry. The journey wasn’t always smooth, but today Mozambique can proudly include luxurious land-based casinos in its diverse tourist packages. Spend your days enjoying its picturesque beaches or observing elephants, and your evenings spinning the slots in fancy, welcoming casinos. If your travels bring you to Africa’s Indian Ocean coast, we fully recommend visiting Mozambique to explore the land-based gambling options firsthand. We believe you won’t be disappointed!