Mozambique government targets $7.8 million in gambling tax revenue for 2025

The Mozambican government plans to collect 500 million meticais (US$7.8 million) in taxes from casinos and gambling in 2025 — a 29% increase from the 387.7 million meticais (US$6.1 million) raised in 2024.

The target is outlined in the 2025 Economic and Social Plan and State Budget (PESOE), which was approved by the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) and the main opposition party, Podemos, the Club of Mozambique reported.

The anticipated revenue comes from the Special Tax on Gambling, which netted the government 387.7 million meticais (US$6.1 million) in 2024 and 370.3 million meticais (US$5.7 million) in 2023.

Despite setting a revenue goal of nearly 1.235 billion meticais (US$19.4 million) from gambling in 2024, only 31.4% of that target has been met so far, continuing a pattern of underperformance that began in 2023.

On August 8, Former President Filipe Nyusi announced that five gambling-sector projects had attracted US$38.3 million in investment. These include casino and slot machine operations in major cities such as Maputo, Beira, Tete, Nampula, Matola, and Pemba — all considered crucial for the country’s tourism industry.

According to the National Directorate of Games of Chance, companies seeking casino concessions must demonstrate a minimum share capital of US$2.7 million and commit to investing at least US$5.5 million within five years.

Casino operators are required to pay a Special Tax on Gambling based on gross revenue, ranging from 20% to 35%, depending on the duration of their concession. Concessions of up to 14 years are taxed at 20%, while those extending to 30 years face a 35% rate.

Additionally, concessionaires must pay a 50% Stamp Duty on casino admission ticket prices. However, they are exempt from other taxes on gambling profits and from import duties on equipment used exclusively for casino operations.