The Mozambican government plans to collect 500 million meticais ($7.8 million) in taxes from casinos and the gambling industry by 2025, a 29% increase from the 387.7 million meticais ($6.1 million) in 2024.
According to Mozambique Club, this target has been outlined in the 2025 Economic and Social Plan and National Budget (PESOE), which has been approved by the ruling party, Frelimo, and the main opposition party, Podemos.
The expected revenue comes from a special gambling tax, which brought the government 387.7 million meticais ($6.1 million) in 2024 and 370.3 million meticais ($5.7 million) in 2023.
Despite setting a target of nearly 1.235 billion meticais ($19.4 million) for gambling industry revenue in 2024, only 31.4% of this target has been achieved so far, continuing the poor performance pattern since 2023.
Former President Filipe Nyusi announced that five gambling projects have attracted $38.3 million in investment. These projects include casinos and slot machine operations in major cities such as Maputo, Beira, Tete, Nampula, Matola, and Pemba—considered crucial for the country's tourism industry.
According to the National Gambling Board regulations, companies seeking a casino franchise must have at least $2.7 million in equity and commit to investing at least $5.5 million within five years.
Casino operators must pay a special gambling tax based on their total revenue, with rates ranging from 20% to 35%, depending on the duration of their franchise. The rate is 20% for franchises lasting no more than 14 years, and 35% for those lasting up to 30 years.
Additionally, franchisees must pay a 50% stamp duty on casino ticket prices. However, they are exempt from other gambling profit taxes and import taxes on casino-specific equipment.
