Malawi crushes 24 illegal gambling machines in landmark crackdown
Malawi’s Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA) has destroyed 24 illegal gambling machines worth K20 million (€9,800). The operation took place on December 22, 2025, at a Lilongwe City Council waste facility, with officials from multiple agencies in attendance. The move marks the latest step in a regional push to clamp down on unlicensed casino near me operations.
The machines were seized from an unlicensed casino near me at the Lilongwe Game Complex. A Chinese national, Chen Wei, had been running the illegal operation in Blantyre since late 2024. Authorities uncovered the casino near me and shut it down after investigations confirmed violations of Malawi’s gambling laws.
The operator admitted guilt and received a K1 million (€490) fine. Under the Gaming and Lotteries Act, seized equipment must be destroyed to uphold industry standards. Owen Chuma, MAGLA’s Acting Director of Legal Services, stressed the severity of the offence and warned that all operators must follow regulations. Thokozani Mkaka, Lilongwe City Council’s Deputy Director of Health, explained the council’s involvement in overseeing the destruction process. The event reflects a broader regional trend, with similar crackdowns recently reported in Uganda, South Africa, and Côte d’Ivoire.
The destruction of the machines removes K20 million worth of illegal gambling equipment from circulation. Malawi’s authorities continue to enforce compliance with gambling laws as part of a wider effort to regulate the sector. The case also serves as a warning to unlicensed operators facing penalties under national legislation.
