MISA Malawi is pleased to inform the membership, partners and the general public that the Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA) will reconsider its decision restricting gaming and lotteries advertising.
Correspondence dated 3rd December 2025, titled ‘Official Confirmation for Time Band Allocation for Licensed Gaming and Lottery Operations’, MAGLA exercised its regulatory powers to order broadcasters to only air marketing of gaming and lotteries material between 21:00 and 06:00 hours, a decision broadcasters argued would cripple the sector.
MISA Malawi successfully convened a high-level roundtable discussion to reflect on MAGLA’s directive to ensure media viability whilst protecting underage Malawians from harmful gaming and lotteries marketing content.
The dialogue, held at Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre today, brought together broadcasters, gaming and lottery operators, Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) and MAGLA. The dialogue centered on finding a balanced redress to the challenge of protecting underage citizens from exposure to lottery and betting advertisements and survival of the broadcasting sector at a time when the country’s economy is struggling.
Key Highlights of the Engagement:
- Commitment to Responsibility: While promoting media freedom, MISA Malawi reaffirmed its stance on responsible media, acknowledging the regulator’s duty to shield minors from harmful gambling-related content.
- Addressing Media Viability: MISA Malawi highlighted the significant concerns of broadcasters regarding dwindling advertising revenues and the economic impact of the 21:00 to 06:00 time band restriction.
- Collaborative Problem Solving: Stakeholders explored holistic solutions that allow for commercial viability without compromising the protection of vulnerable groups.
“Today’s engagement was a vital opportunity to bridge the gap between regulatory requirements and business reality. We are grateful to MAGLA and all stakeholders for their willingness to find a middle ground that serves both the industry and the public interest. MISA Malawi remains committed to fostering a media landscape that is both economically viable and socially ethical,” said Golden Matonga, MISA Chairperson.
MAGLA affirmed the importance of responsible advertising and the need to balance the interests of operators and media with those of society at large. However, the regulator said it will review the feedback submitted and communicate its resolution to the public at a later date.
As a membership-based organisation that represents the interests of all media houses and journalists in the country, MISA Malawi decided to facilitate the dialogue between MAGLA and broadcasters following complaints from the membership on the probable impact of the directive on advertising business and revenue.
MISA Malawi believes in a free and responsible media, and hopes the dialogue provided an opportunity to iron out differences and enable broadcasters retain the commercial benefits accrued from airing betting and lottery adverts while minimizing harm occasioned on young citizens who may be exposed to the content.
For feedback
MISA Malawi Chairperson Golden Matonga
Cell: +265 99 616 9705 or email goldenmatonga@gmail.com
MISA Malawi National Director Aubrey Chikungwa
Cell: +265 999 327 311 or email info@misamalawi.org
