Inspeção Geral de Jogos (IGJ)
- Headquarters
- Avenida Vlademir, Prédio 33, 4° Andar, Flat 408, Maputo, Mozambique
Inspeção Geral de Jogos (IGJ) – Mozambique is the state agency responsible for regulating, supervising, and inspecting all gambling activities within the Republic of Mozambique. Operating under the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the IGJ oversees land‑based casinos, slot‑machine halls, sports betting (both physical and online), lotteries, and social games. Its core mandate includes issuing operating licences, ensuring compliance with the national gambling law, enforcing anti‑money laundering (AML) and counter‑financing of terrorism (CFT) measures, promoting responsible gambling, and protecting players. The IGJ also monitors licensed entities through regular inspections and requires operators to implement rigorous AML/KYC procedures. In 2026, the agency integrated its compliance framework with the Softlabs platform, enabling streamlined reporting for operators. The IGJ maintains a public portal where players can verify licensed entities, request self‑exclusion, and access responsible‑gaming resources. While the agency operates primarily in Portuguese, it engages in international cooperation to align with global best practices. Its headquarters are in Maputo, the capital. The current Inspector‑General, António de Almeida, leads the organisation. The IGJ’s regulatory framework is considered one of the most transparent in Eastern Africa, making Mozambique an emerging hub for regulated iGaming.
Detailed Review
History & Establishment
The Inspeção Geral de Jogos was created by the Mozambican government as a dedicated inspectorate to regulate the gambling sector. While the exact founding year is not publicly documented, the agency has been operational for at least two decades, evolving alongside the growth of casinos and sports betting in the country. It is a tutelated institution of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, meaning it reports directly to the ministerial portfolio.
Regulatory Scope & Licensing
The IGJ issues several types of licences: - Casino Licence – for land‑based casinos and slot‑machine halls encompassing table games, electronic gaming machines, and live events. - Sports Betting Licence – covers both brick‑and‑mortar betting shops and online sports betting (the only form of online gaming currently regulated). - Lottery & Social Games Licences – for state lotteries, raffles, and charitable gaming activities.
Each licence application requires proof of financial stability, detailed AML/KYC policies, responsible‑gaming measures, and regular reporting. The IGJ conducts inspections on‑site and via digital reporting tools. Foreign operators can apply through a local representative or subsidiary.
Key Functions & Services
- Licensing & Permits: Online application portal for casinos and social games. - Compliance & Anti‑Money Laundering: Training inspectors in AML/CFT, publishing national strategies (e.g., National AML/CFT Strategy for Mozambique). - Player Protection: Self‑exclusion request system, responsible‑gaming guidance, and public awareness campaigns. - Data & Statistics: Publication of gaming statistics, legislative updates, and annual reports. - Industry Integration: In 2026, the IGJ integrated its regulatory reporting with Softlabs’ compliance platform, allowing operators to submit data automatically.
Recent Developments (2025–2026)
- Formação de Inspectores em Compliance 2025 – a training programme for IGJ inspectors focusing on compliance. - BCFT Training – anti‑money laundering and counter‑financing of terrorism training, including a virtual session on WMD proliferation financing. - Workshops with Global Facility – partnering with international bodies to improve supervision. - Public Transparency Demands – In a YouTube video, Júlio Saramala (likely a senior official) called for the IGJ to publish all inspection criteria and annual reports, indicating internal pressure for greater openness.
Challenges & Future Outlook
The IGJ faces challenges common to developing‑market regulators: limited staffing, evolving online threats, and the need to balance market growth with consumer protection. Its integration with Softlabs signals a move toward digital compliance. With growing tourism and mobile penetration, the IGJ is positioned to become a key African regulator, especially for online betting.
Key Products
Casino Licence
Authorisation to operate casinos and slot-machine halls, covering table games such as roulette, blackjack, and poker, as well as electronic gaming machines.
Sports Betting Licence
Licence for land-based and online sports betting, currently the only form of online gambling regulated in Mozambique.
Lottery & Social Games Licensing
Permits for lottery operators and social gambling activities.
Regulatory Inspections
On-site and technical audits of licensed premises to ensure compliance with security, transparency, and player-protection standards.
AML/CFT Compliance Monitoring
Enforcement of anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism measures, including review of financial transaction controls and reporting obligations.
Responsible Gaming Programme
Initiatives such as self-exclusion requests, public awareness campaigns, and mandatory responsible-gambling measures for operators.
Technical System Reviews
Assessment of gaming platforms, random number generators, and back-office systems as part of the licensing process.
Publication of Statistics & Guidelines
Regular reports on gambling revenues, player activity, and regulatory updates for transparency and industry guidance.
Casino Licenses
Concessions for land‑based casinos, including technical approval of gaming equipment and slot machines.
Sports Betting Licenses
Permits for retail and online sports betting operators, with requirements for odds verification and payout procedures.
Social Games Licenses
Licenses for lotteries, bingo, and amusement games, often with lower fees and simplified compliance.
Online Gaming Platform
Regulatory oversight framework for internet‑based casinos and betting sites, including RNG testing and geo‑blocking verification.
AML/CFT Compliance Program
Mandated guidelines and training for operators to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing in the gambling sector.
Self‑Exclusion Portal
An online tool allowing players to voluntarily ban themselves from all licensed gaming venues in Mozambique.
Licensing Application Portal
Electronic system for submitting license applications, renewals, and change‑of‑control notifications.
Inspector Training Academy
In‑house training for IGJ inspectors covering compliance, AML, and technical auditing.
Social Games Licence
License for lotteries, raffles, and other social gaming activities.
Licensing Portal
Online system on igj.co.mz for applying for casino and social games licences, and for checking licensed entities.
Self‑Exclusion System
A web‑based tool that allows players to voluntarily exclude themselves from all licensed gambling activities.
Responsible Gambling Policy
A set of guidelines and public information campaigns to prevent problem gambling.
AML/CFT Compliance Framework
National anti‑money laundering and counter‑financing of terrorism strategy specific to the gaming sector, including inspector training programmes.
Softlabs Regulatory Integration
API‑based reporting integration (announced 2026) enabling operators to submit compliance data directly to the IGJ.