Regulatory AuthorityLoterie Nationale du Burundi (LONA)
License CostVaries
Regulation by Activity Type
Casinos
Regulated
Online Casinos
Unregulated
Betting
Regulated
Online Betting
Unregulated
Lotteries
Regulated
Poker
Regulated
Highlights
Burundi's National Lottery (LONA) is transitioning from a commercial operator to the sole national gambling regulatory agency.
LONA is responsible for licensing, monitoring, and enforcing compliance for all gambling operators in the country.
Gambling businesses are prohibited from operating near schools or areas accessible to minors, with strict age restrictions enforced.
A strategic plan adopted in 2023 limits gambling venues in poor neighborhoods and aims to supervise the sector until 2035.
LONA uses advanced real-time monitoring technology to oversee gambling activities and ensure regulatory compliance.
All forms of gambling except those authorized by LONA are illegal; unauthorized operations face suspension or closure.
Gambling operators contribute significant revenue to public funds, supporting national development initiatives.
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Legislation
Primary Legislation
The legal framework governing gambling in Burundi is primarily established through national legislation and government policy directives. The cornerstone of this framework is the law that created the Loterie Nationale du Burundi (LONA) in 1985, which initially authorized and regulated gambling activities in the country. Over time, the government has enacted additional regulations and strategic plans to strengthen oversight, most notably the strategic plan adopted by the Council of Ministers in July 2023. This plan aims to control and regulate gambling by limiting consumption, supervising operators, and prohibiting gambling venues in certain neighborhoods. The policy framework is designed to extend through 2035, ensuring ongoing regulatory oversight and the gradual transition of LONA from a commercial operator to a dedicated regulatory agency. The legal environment also includes explicit prohibitions on unauthorized games of chance in public spaces and online platforms, with strict penalties for violations.
Regulatory Authority
The primary regulatory authority for gambling in Burundi is the Loterie Nationale du Burundi (LONA). Historically, LONA functioned as both a commercial operator and regulator, but recent reforms have redefined its role. As of 2024, LONA is transitioning to become a dedicated Gambling Regulatory Agency, responsible for overseeing and regulating all gambling activities in the country. This shift aligns LONA’s structure with other national regulatory bodies and removes its direct involvement in commercial gambling operations.
Supervision and regulation of all licensed gambling operators
Enforcement of compliance with national gambling laws and policies
Implementation of government directives on responsible gambling and consumer protection
Monitoring of gambling activities to prevent illegal operations and protect minors
Collaboration with other government ministries, such as the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Commerce, for technological and regulatory improvements
License Types
Types of Gambling Licenses Available in Burundi
Lottery License: Historically, the National Lottery of Burundi (LONA) has held the exclusive right to operate and authorize lottery activities.
Casino License: Casino operations require specific licensing, and only a limited number of operators have been authorized by LONA in the past.
Sports Betting License: Licenses for sports betting are issued and regulated by LONA. This includes both retail and, potentially, online betting operations.
Other Gambling Licenses: Licenses for other forms of gambling, such as bingo and poker, are possible but have been tightly controlled and, in some cases, suspended.
Application Process for Gambling Licenses
Regulatory Authority: The National Lottery of Burundi (LONA) is transitioning into a dedicated Gambling Regulatory Agency responsible for all licensing and oversight of gambling activities.
Submission: Applications must be submitted directly to LONA, including detailed business plans, proof of financial stability, and information on the proposed gambling operations.
Review: LONA conducts a thorough review of each application, assessing compliance with regulatory standards, location restrictions (e.g., not near schools or areas accessible to minors), and the applicant’s background.
Approval: If the application meets all requirements, LONA issues the appropriate license. The process includes site inspections and may involve interviews with key personnel.
Duration, Renewal, and Eligibility
License Duration: Licenses are typically granted for a fixed term, often ranging from one to several years, depending on the type of gambling activity and the terms set by LONA.
Renewal Conditions: License renewal requires operators to demonstrate ongoing compliance with regulatory standards, including responsible gambling measures and avoidance of prohibited locations. Renewal applications must be submitted before the license expires and are subject to additional review and possible site re-inspection.
Eligibility: Applicants must be legal entities registered in Burundi, have no criminal record among key personnel, and demonstrate sufficient financial resources to operate the gambling business responsibly.
Licensing Costs, Fees, and Financial Requirements
Application Fees: A non-refundable application fee is required, the amount of which varies depending on the type of license sought. Exact figures are not publicly disclosed but are set by LONA and subject to periodic review.
Annual License Fees: Licensed operators must pay annual fees to maintain their authorization. These fees are determined by the scale and type of gambling operation.
Financial Guarantees: Applicants may be required to provide financial guarantees or proof of capital to ensure the sustainability and integrity of their operations.
Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining a License
Location Restrictions: Gambling establishments are prohibited from operating near schools or areas frequented by minors.
Responsible Gambling Measures: Operators must implement policies and procedures to prevent underage and problem gambling, including staff training and customer verification systems.
Compliance Monitoring: LONA employs advanced technology to monitor gambling activities in real time, and licensed operators must allow access for regulatory oversight at any time.
Reporting Obligations: Regular reporting on financial transactions, player protection measures, and operational data is required to maintain transparency and regulatory compliance.
Operational Integrity: Operators must maintain high standards of integrity, including fair gaming practices and the prevention of criminal activity such as money laundering.
Summary Table: Key Aspects of Burundi’s Gambling Licensing System
Aspect
Details
Licensing Authority
LONA (transitioning to Gambling Regulatory Agency)
Types of Licenses
Lottery, Casino, Sports Betting, Other Gambling
Application Process
Direct submission to LONA, review, inspection, approval
As of 2025, gambling activities in Burundi are primarily regulated and overseen by the National Lottery (LONA), which is transitioning into a dedicated Gambling Regulatory Agency. The taxation of gambling operators is structured to contribute to public funds and support national development initiatives.
Type of Gambling Operation
Tax Rate
Tax Base
Lottery (LONA and authorized operators)
Not publicly specified
Presumed on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) or turnover
Sports Betting
Not publicly specified
Presumed on GGR or turnover
Casino Games
Not publicly specified
Presumed on GGR or turnover
Specific tax rates for each vertical (lottery, sports betting, casino) have not been officially published in recent government or regulatory agency releases. However, it is established that gambling operators are required to make significant financial contributions to public funds.
Basis for Taxation
The basis for gambling taxation in Burundi is not explicitly detailed in publicly available sources. It is presumed that taxes are levied on either Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) or total turnover, in line with common regional practices.
Operators are expected to report their revenues and pay taxes accordingly, with oversight from the regulatory authority.
Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements
Licensed gambling operators must regularly report their revenues to the regulatory authority (LONA or its successor agency).
Payments are made to the state treasury, with the frequency and procedures determined by the regulatory agency. These are typically monthly or quarterly, though the precise schedule is not publicly specified.
LONA utilizes technological systems to monitor gambling activities in real time, ensuring accurate revenue reporting and tax compliance.
Failure to comply with reporting or payment obligations can result in suspension of operations or other sanctions.
Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions
There are no publicly announced tax incentives or exemptions for gambling operators in Burundi as of 2025.
Special provisions may apply during regulatory transitions, such as the current transformation of LONA into a regulatory agency, but these have not been detailed in official communications.
Prohibited Individuals
Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements
The minimum legal age for participation in gambling activities in Burundi is 18 years old.
Operators are required to prevent access to gambling venues and services by minors. However, enforcement has faced challenges, and there have been reports of children under 18 being present in betting shops and potentially accessing online gambling.
Identification checks are mandated to verify age, especially for entry into physical gambling venues. Enhanced monitoring technologies are being implemented to support compliance.
Prohibited Activities and Game Restrictions
All forms of gambling except those expressly authorized and regulated by the National Lottery of Burundi (LONA) are prohibited.
Casino games have been suspended nationwide as of late 2023, and their operation remains restricted.
Sports betting has come under particular scrutiny, with government officials labeling it as fraudulent and calling for increased enforcement against illegal operators.
Gambling businesses are not permitted to operate in poor or working-class neighborhoods, and there are restrictions on the proximity of gambling venues to schools and areas accessible to minors.
Advertising and Marketing Limitations
Advertising of gambling products is subject to strict controls to prevent targeting of minors and vulnerable populations.
Promotional activities must not mislead about the chances of winning or encourage excessive participation.
Responsible Gambling and Player Protection Measures
Operators are required to implement responsible gambling programs, including providing information about the risks of gambling and resources for problem gambling support.
Technological systems are in place for real-time monitoring of gambling activities to detect and prevent problematic behavior.
Self-exclusion options and limits on betting amounts are expected to be part of player protection measures, with oversight by the regulatory authority.
LONA, as the regulatory body, is tasked with ensuring transparency, security, and the protection of players, including the use of advanced monitoring technology.
Geographic and Location Restrictions
Gambling venues are not allowed to be established in poor or working-class neighborhoods.
There are explicit bans on operating gambling businesses near schools or in areas where minors can easily access them.
Physical presence requirements and location-specific restrictions are enforced to limit the social impact of gambling activities.
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Timeline
Year/Date
Event
1985
Establishment of Burundi’s National Lottery (LONA) as the state entity responsible for organizing and overseeing gambling activities.
2000
LONA begins authorizing private gambling companies to operate under its supervision, marking the start of formal licensing for gambling operators.
July 5, 2023
The Council of Ministers adopts a strategic plan to strengthen control and regulation of gambling, including a decision for LONA to cease commercial activities and transition into a dedicated Gambling Regulatory Agency by 2035.
October 2023
Minister of the Interior publicly denounces sports betting as fraudulent and announces the suspension of casino games nationwide.
February 2024
Implementation of new technological oversight for gambling activities through a partnership between LONA, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Commerce.
March 4, 2025
Official announcement that LONA will transform into the national Gambling Regulatory Agency, ending its commercial operations and focusing solely on regulation and licensing.
Requirements
Software Certification and Technical Standards Requirements
All gambling software and platforms must be certified for fairness, randomness, and security by LONA, the designated regulatory authority. Certification includes verification of random number generators and system integrity.
Operators are required to implement advanced monitoring technologies that enable real-time oversight of gambling activities by the regulator. This ensures transparency and compliance with operational standards.
Technical systems must be designed to prevent unauthorized access and manipulation, with regular security audits mandated by the regulator.
Any updates or major changes to gambling software must be reported to and approved by the regulatory authority before deployment.
Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location Requirements
Operators must implement robust data protection protocols to safeguard personal and financial information of players. This includes encryption of sensitive data both in transit and at rest.
Data privacy policies must align with national data protection laws, ensuring that player information is collected, stored, and processed lawfully and securely.
All gambling-related data and servers must be physically located within Burundi or in a jurisdiction approved by the regulator to ensure regulatory oversight and data security.
Access to sensitive data is restricted to authorized personnel only, with audit trails maintained for all data access and modifications.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures
Operators are required to implement comprehensive AML programs, including transaction monitoring systems capable of detecting suspicious activities in real time.
KYC procedures must be strictly enforced, requiring verification of customer identity, age, and source of funds before allowing participation in gambling activities.
Operators must conduct ongoing monitoring of customer transactions and report any suspicious or unusual activities to the relevant authorities without delay.
AML and KYC policies must be documented, regularly updated, and made available for inspection by the regulator.
Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping Requirements
Operators are obligated to maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records, including all transactions, player accounts, and operational expenses.
Regular financial reports must be submitted to the regulatory authority in a prescribed format, detailing revenue, payouts, and compliance with financial obligations.
Independent audits of financial statements and operational processes are required at least annually, with audit reports submitted to the regulator for review.
All records, including customer data, transaction logs, and audit trails, must be securely stored for a minimum period as defined by the regulator and made available upon request.
Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools
Operators must integrate responsible gambling tools into their platforms, including self-exclusion options, deposit limits, and reality checks to promote safe gambling behavior.
Systems must be capable of identifying and restricting access to gambling services for individuals who are minors or have self-excluded.
Responsible gambling features must be accessible and clearly communicated to all users, with technical safeguards to prevent circumvention.
Operators are required to provide real-time data and reporting on responsible gambling measures to the regulator for ongoing oversight and evaluation.
Gambling regulations are subject to change. The information provided on this page was accurate at the time of publication, but may not reflect the current regulatory landscape. Always consult official sources for the most up-to-date information before making any gambling-related decisions.
