Gambling and online casinos in Madagascar

Madagascar is an island nation with a unique culture and growing economy, where gambling is legal and under government control.

Although the industry has not yet reached the level of neighboring countries, in recent years there has been an active development of online gambling and tourism, which makes Madagascar a promising destination for investment in the gambling sector.

---

Historical context

The first casinos in Madagascar appeared in the 1980s, mainly in tourist areas - Antananarivo, Tuamasina and Nosy Be.

In 1995, the first legislation regulating gambling was passed, and in the 2000s, a specialized department was created to license and control gambling establishments.

Since 2018, the country began reforming gambling laws to attract foreign operators and develop an online market aimed at tourists and local players.

---

Legislation and regulation

Gambling is regulated by Gaming and Lotteries Law No. 96-020 and subsequent 2018 amendments.

Regulator - Office Malgache des Jeux (OMJ)

("Malagasy Gambling Authority"), subordinate to the Ministry of Finance and Economics.

Main provisions:

• the license is mandatory for all operators;
• the minimum age of a player is 18 years;
• gross income tax (GGR) - 15-20%;
• licenses are issued for a period of 5 years;
• gambling advertising is only allowed for licensed companies;
• online gambling is allowed through a separate eGaming license.

The state actively cooperates with private investors to develop gambling infrastructure and tourist resorts.

---

Legal forms of gambling

Madagascar officially allows:

• land-based casinos;
• bookmakers (including online betting);
• lotteries and instant draws;
• slot machines and bingo;
• virtual games and online casinos.

Major operators:

• Grand Cercle Casino Antananarivo is the capital's most famous casino;
• Colbert Casino & Hotel is a premium travel destination;
• Ocean Casino Nosy Be is a popular casino on Nosy Be Island;
• Bet254 Madagascar, Betway and Premier Bet are the largest online bookmakers.

Casinos in Madagascar offer classic games - roulette, blackjack, poker and slot machines, and bookmakers are actively developing mobile betting apps.

---

Online gambling

Online gambling in Madagascar has been allowed since 2018, when OMJ introduced a separate licensing system for eGaming.

Local companies can work in partnership with international platforms, and players get access to foreign sites subject to KYC rules.

Popular destinations:

• online sports betting (football, basketball, tennis);
• slots and live games with dealers;
• virtual leagues and lotteries;
• mobile casinos and applications.

Payment methods:

• Orange Money Madagascar, Airtel Money, MVola;
• BOA Madagascar, BNI, AccèsBanque bank cards;
• cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, USDT, Litecoin) are not regulated, but are used in online casinos.

According to the Indian Ocean iGaming Report 2024, there are more than 150,000 active online players in the country, and the digital market is estimated at $30 million per year.

---

Economic role

Gambling in Madagascar is an important part of the tourism sector, which provides a significant share of foreign exchange earnings.

Key indicators (2024):

• the total gambling market is about $80 million;
• tax revenues - $8-10 million;
• contribution to GDP - 0.5%;
• employment - more than 2,000 people in casinos and online projects.

OMJ actively collaborates with the private sector to promote responsible gambling principles and increase licensing transparency.

---

Social and cultural context

Madagascar is a country with a diverse cultural and religious composition, where gambling is perceived as a form of entertainment, not vice.

The state adheres to a policy of moderate regulation, maintaining a balance between economic benefits and social responsibility.

The regulator requires operators to:

• availability of self-holding instruments and deposit limits;
• mandatory warning of addiction risks;
• introducing hotlines for players.

---

Prospects

Madagascar has high potential for the development of online gambling and gambling tourism.

The development of digital payment systems and a stable Internet infrastructure create conditions for the growth of the eGaming sector.

Until 2030, it is planned:

• introduction of a national eGaming platform with centralized licensing;
• integration of mobile and crypto payments into official circulation;
• opening of new casino zones in tourist regions;
• attracting foreign investment from France, Mauritius and the UAE.

Forecast: by 2030, the gambling market in Madagascar could reach $150 million, and the online sector will occupy up to 60% of the entire industry.

---

Madagascar is a new and promising destination on the African gambling map.

Legal regulation, growing tourism and the development of mobile technologies create a favorable environment for operators and investors.