In June last year the Mozambique Assembly voted unanimously to relax gambling restrictions in the country following recommendations made by a working commission. The bill to reform the 1994 law removes the 250-room hotel restriction and allows casinos to be developed throughout the country. Minimum investment will be US$8 million, reduced from US$15 million.

Yesterday the bill was signed into law by President Armando Guebuza and slot machines now will be allowed in non-casino areas and casinos will be permitted anywhere in the country. At the moment there is one casino in the capital Maputo and another close to the border with Swaziland in Namaacha. All gaming equipment will be authorised by the General Gaming Inspectorate, which will be responsible also for ensuring that no money laundering activity takes place.

The bill amending the law on games of chance was enacted after the Constitutional Council ruled it did not violate the Constitution. The 1994 law that the bill replaces had limited casinos to complexes with minimum 250-room hotel and prohibited development in some areas. Now casinos must be built in association with one or more hotels of not less than four star ranking (5-star in Maputo). (E-01.12.10)

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