Is Gambling Legal in Burkina Faso? [2025 Guide]

Key Information

Last Update 2025

Regulatory Authority Commission Nationale des Jeux de Hasard (CNJH)

License Cost Varies

Regulation by Activity Type

Casinos Prohibited

Online Casinos Prohibited

Betting Prohibited

Online Betting Prohibited

Lotteries Prohibited

Poker Prohibited

Highlights

All gambling activities are regulated by the Commission Nationale des Jeux de Hasard (CNJH), established in 2012.
Operators must obtain a government-issued license and comply with responsible gambling and anti-money laundering rules.
A 15% tax on gross gaming revenue applies to all licensed gambling operators, supporting public services.
Land-based gambling is legal and regulated, while online gambling lacks specific legal provisions and licensing.
Unlicensed gambling sites and apps are subject to geo-blocking, though enforcement is limited in practice.
Certain high-risk games, such as online casinos and virtual sports, are prohibited under current law.
Foreign operators must register a local company to offer legal betting services within Burkina Faso.

Legislation

Primary Legislation

Gambling in Burkina Faso is governed by a legal framework that primarily addresses land-based gambling activities. The main legislative instruments include national laws and regulations that establish the legal basis for betting, lotteries, and other games of chance. While there is no comprehensive law specifically targeting online gambling, the existing framework does empower authorities to regulate and, where necessary, restrict access to unauthorized online gambling services. The legislation also provides for measures to ensure responsible gambling and protect vulnerable groups. Notably, the law enables the government to block access to unlicensed gambling websites and sets out the general legal environment for both domestic and foreign operators wishing to enter the market.

Regulatory Authority

Oversight and enforcement of gambling laws in Burkina Faso are the responsibility of dedicated regulatory bodies established by the government. The two primary authorities referenced in available sources are:

Commission Nationale des Jeux de Hasard (CNJH): Established in 2012, the CNJH is tasked with regulating the gambling industry, issuing operating licenses, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements for all forms of gambling. It is responsible for enforcing age restrictions, responsible gambling measures, and anti-money laundering protocols. The CNJH also conducts regular inspections and audits of licensed operators.
Burkinabé Gaming and Betting Control Commission (GBCC): This commission operates within the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Security and oversees companies and individuals involved in gambling activities. The GBCC is empowered to regulate the sector, including the authority to order internet service providers to block access to unlicensed gambling sites.

License Types

Licensing Authorities and Scope

In Burkina Faso, the primary authority responsible for issuing gambling licenses is the Commission Nationale des Jeux de Hasard (CNJH). The CNJH oversees all forms of land-based gambling and betting activities, including casinos, sports betting shops, and lotteries. Online gambling is not specifically regulated, and there are currently no formal licensing procedures for online-only operators. However, foreign operators wishing to offer services in Burkina Faso are generally required to establish a local company under Burkinabé commercial law.

Types of Gambling Licenses

Land-Based Casino License: Required for operating physical casino establishments.
Sports Betting License: Required for running retail sports betting shops.
Lottery License: Required for operating national or regional lottery games.
Other Gaming Licenses: May be required for specific games of chance or other regulated betting activities.

Application Process

Submission of a formal application to the CNJH, including detailed business plans and operational proposals.
Applicants must provide documentation proving financial stability, corporate structure, and the identities of key stakeholders.
Background checks are conducted on company directors and major shareholders to ensure integrity and suitability.
Applicants must demonstrate compliance with responsible gambling, anti-money laundering, and player protection requirements.
Foreign operators must register a local company entity before applying for a license.

Duration and Renewal

Licenses are typically issued for a fixed term, commonly ranging from one to five years, depending on the license type and operator profile.
Renewal applications must be submitted before the license expiry date and are subject to a review of ongoing compliance and performance.
Renewal may require updated documentation, proof of continued financial solvency, and payment of renewal fees.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be legal entities registered in Burkina Faso or have a registered local subsidiary.
Directors and major shareholders must pass integrity and background checks.
Operators must have sufficient financial resources and a clear business plan.
Compliance with responsible gambling, anti-money laundering, and fair gaming standards is mandatory.

Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements

Application fees are payable upon submission and vary depending on the type of license sought.
Annual licensing fees are charged to maintain the license, with amounts determined by the size and scope of the operation.
Operators may be required to provide financial guarantees or proof of capital to cover operational risks and player liabilities.
Additional fees may apply for renewal, amendments, or expansion of licensed activities.

Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining a License

Strict adherence to all CNJH regulations and operational guidelines.
Implementation of robust responsible gambling measures and player protection protocols.
Regular reporting and submission of operational and financial data to the CNJH.
Cooperation with CNJH inspections and audits, including providing access to premises and records.
Immediate notification of any significant changes in company structure, ownership, or management.
Compliance with anti-money laundering and anti-fraud measures as stipulated by national regulations.

Gambling Tax

Gambling Operator Tax Rates in Burkina Faso

Type of Gambling Operation	Tax Rate	Basis of Taxation
All Licensed Gambling Operators (land-based and, if regulated, online)	15%	Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)

Basis for Taxation

Gambling operators are taxed on their Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), which is defined as the difference between the total amount wagered by players and the total amount paid out as winnings.
This 15% tax rate applies uniformly to all licensed gambling companies, including betting shops, lotteries, and (if regulated) online sports betting operators.

Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements

Operators must calculate their GGR for the relevant tax period, typically monthly or quarterly, depending on regulatory requirements.
Tax returns must be filed with the relevant regulatory authority, such as the Commission Nationale des Jeux de Hasard (CNJH) or the Burkinabé Gaming and Betting Control Commission (GBCC).
Tax payments are made directly to the national treasury or designated government account within the deadlines stipulated by the tax authority.
Failure to pay taxes on time or to submit accurate reports can result in fines, penalties, or revocation of the gambling license.
Regular audits and inspections are conducted by the regulatory authority to ensure compliance with tax obligations.

Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions

There are currently no widely reported tax incentives, exemptions, or special provisions for gambling operators in Burkina Faso.
The 15% GGR tax is applied uniformly to all forms of licensed gambling operations.
No reduced rates or tax holidays are available for new market entrants or specific types of games.

Prohibited Individuals

Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements

The minimum legal age for participation in gambling activities in Burkina Faso is 18 years.
Licensed gambling operators are required to verify the age and identity of all players to prevent underage gambling. This typically involves checking official identification documents before allowing access to gambling services.

Prohibited Gambling Activities and Game Restrictions

Online casino games and virtual sports betting are expressly prohibited by law. Operators are not permitted to offer these types of games within Burkina Faso.
Only land-based gambling and regulated sports betting are permitted. Any unlicensed gambling activities, including unauthorized online gambling, are illegal.
The government actively blocks access to unlicensed gambling websites and apps through geo-blocking measures to protect consumers from illegal operators.

Advertising and Marketing Limitations

Advertising of gambling products and services is subject to strict regulation. Operators must ensure that all marketing materials do not target minors or vulnerable populations.
Promotional content must include clear warnings about the risks of gambling and information on responsible gambling resources.
Operators are prohibited from making misleading claims about the chances of winning or the benefits of gambling.

Responsible Gambling Requirements and Player Protection Measures

Licensed operators are required to implement responsible gambling policies, including providing information and resources to help players gamble safely.
Operators must offer self-exclusion options, allowing players to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling venues or platforms.
There are requirements for staff training to identify and assist individuals showing signs of problem gambling.
Operators must display responsible gambling messages and helpline information prominently in their venues and on their websites.

Geographic and Location Restrictions

Gambling venues are only permitted to operate in designated areas approved by the regulatory authority.
Mobile and online gambling services must use geo-blocking technology to prevent access by users located outside authorized jurisdictions or attempting to access prohibited forms of gambling.

Timeline

Year/Date	Event
1996	First comprehensive gambling law enacted, providing a regulatory framework for land-based gambling and allowing the government to block unlicensed gambling sites.
2012	Establishment of the Commission Nationale des Jeux de Hasard (CNJH) as the national regulatory authority overseeing licensing and compliance for all gambling activities.
2018	Enactment of a national law introducing a 15% tax on gross gaming revenue for all licensed gambling operators to fund public services and infrastructure.

Requirements

Software Certification and Technical Standards

There are currently no explicit, detailed technical standards or software certification requirements specifically outlined for gambling operators in Burkina Faso. The regulatory framework is primarily oriented toward land-based gambling, and there are no published technical standards for online gambling platforms.
Operators are expected to ensure the integrity and fairness of their gaming systems, but there is no formalized process for software testing or certification by recognized laboratories as seen in more mature jurisdictions.
Any technical requirements that do exist are enforced through ad hoc audits and inspections conducted by the national regulatory authority.

Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location Requirements

There are no specific, codified data protection or privacy measures for gambling operators in Burkina Faso. The country lacks a comprehensive data protection law applicable to the gambling sector.
No explicit requirements regarding the physical location of servers or data storage have been published for gambling operators.
Operators are expected to implement basic privacy protections for customer data as part of general commercial law obligations, but there are no sector-specific technical standards.

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures

Licensed gambling operators must comply with anti-money laundering regulations as monitored by the national regulatory authority. This includes the implementation of KYC procedures to verify the identity of customers.
Operators are required to collect and verify customer identification documents before allowing participation in gambling activities.
Suspicious transactions must be reported to the appropriate authorities as part of ongoing AML compliance.
Burkina Faso is under increased monitoring by international bodies for AML compliance, which may result in evolving requirements and stricter enforcement of KYC and AML standards.

Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping Requirements

Licensed operators are subject to regular audits and inspections by the national gambling regulatory authority to ensure compliance with financial and operational regulations.
Operators must maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all transactions, customer activity, and financial statements.
There are requirements for periodic financial reporting to the regulatory authority, including the submission of audited accounts.
Failure to maintain proper records or comply with auditing standards can result in fines or revocation of the operating license.

Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools

Operators are required to implement basic responsible gambling measures, such as age verification and self-exclusion options, to protect minors and vulnerable individuals.
There are no detailed technical standards or requirements for responsible gambling tools (such as deposit limits, reality checks, or automated intervention systems) specific to Burkina Faso.
Compliance is monitored through inspections and audits, but the technical sophistication of responsible gambling tools is not currently specified by law.

Sources

Government Ministries

Ministry of Territorial Administration, Decentralization and Security Official website: https://www.matd.gov.bf/ Phone: +226 25 30 63 43 Address: 03 BP 7008 Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso

Legislation Resources

Official Government Legislation Portal https://www.legiburkina.gov.bf/ – National database for laws and regulations (search for "jeux de hasard" or "pari" for gambling-related legislation)