Gambling is not a new concept in Mozambique. Bettors in this country have been gambling for decades now. During colonial times (before June 1975), betting was popular under Portuguese rule. Even so, little is known regarding the games gamblers played or the laws that governed this thrilling activity back then.
In 1994, almost two decades after Mozambique attained its independence, gambling in this country was legalized. However, this law of 1994 came with some pretty harsh restrictions. For instance, it required all casinos to be located in a large hotel with at least 250 rooms. They also had to be situated fifty kilometers away from cities. In addition, the minimum amount one was allowed to invest in a casino was $15 million.
Undoubtedly, these tough conditions made it difficult for most enthusiastic entrepreneurs to invest in land-based casinos in the 1990s, especially if they lacked adequate knowledge about how a casino business operates. What if they suffered losses or unknowingly broke a law that would render their investment fruitless?
Mozambicans who enjoyed gambling before 2000 were also incredibly cautious when choosing the casinos to visit. Most of these betting fans considered factors such as licensing and location before selecting a gambling house.
Gambling nowadays in Mozambique
The gambling industry in Mozambique has improved significantly since the 1990s. In 2009, former Mozambican President Armando Guebuza amended the 1994 gambling law, which used to have strict regulations that both gambling businesses and gamblers had to adhere to. This move was aimed at boosting the country's tourism industry.
Thanks to the new law, several positive changes have been made, including the lifting of area restrictions. This means that casinos can now be established near cities in Mozambique. Since the law was amended, more Mozambicans have become interested in gambling, and industry investors select the locations of their establishments carefully to maximize profits. In most cases, casinos are situated close to cities to attract more players who are now less guarded than they were before.