Gambling in DR Congo: Legal Status, Regulations & Casino Guide 2025

Key Information

Last Update 2025

Regulatory Authority Ministry of Sports and Leisure

License Cost Varies

Regulation by Activity Type

Casinos Regulated

Online Casinos Unregulated

Betting Regulated

Online Betting Regulated

Lotteries Regulated

Poker Prohibited

Highlights

Gambling in DRC is legal and regulated under several laws, including Ordinance Law No. 18/003 of 2018 and decrees from 2019 and 2020.
Licenses for gambling operations are granted by ministerial order, primarily through the Ministry of Sports and Leisure and the Ministry of Finance.
Both land-based and online gambling are permitted, but the regulatory framework for online gambling remains underdeveloped.
The national lottery (SONAL) holds a monopoly on lottery games, while other forms like casinos and sports betting require separate licenses.
Operators must incorporate a local company and obtain annual license renewals, with no fixed license duration but strict scope limitations.
Taxation includes ad valorem taxes on winnings and annual license fees, but enforcement and tax collection have historically been weak.
The government is currently reforming gambling laws to combat money laundering, increase transparency, and improve state revenue collection.

Legislation

Primary Legislation

The legal framework governing gambling in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is based on a series of key legislative acts and ordinances. The most significant laws currently in force include:

Ordinance Law No. 18/003 of March 13, 2018 – This law establishes the listing of duties, taxes, and fees payable to the central government, forming a foundation for the regulation and fiscal treatment of gambling activities.
Ordinance No. 84/156 of July 4, 1984 – This ordinance grants the monopoly of lottery games to the state-owned company Société Nationale de Loterie (SONAL).
Ordinance No. 20/017 of March 27, 2020 – This ordinance defines the roles of the various ministries involved in the oversight and regulation of gambling.
Decree of August 17, 1927 (Governing Lotteries) – An older but still referenced decree that provides the initial legal basis for lottery operations in the DRC.
Ministerial Order No. 041/MJS/CAB/2100/2011 of December 28, 2011 – This order relates to the operational requirements for gambling and betting activities.
Interministerial Order No. 001/CAB/MIN/SL/2019 and No. CAB/MIN/FINANCES/2019/139 of November 13, 2019 – These orders set the rates of duties, taxes, and fees to be collected by the Ministry of Sports and Leisure and the Ministry of Finance for gambling activities.

Collectively, these legislative instruments provide the core legal structure for the regulation of gambling, including lotteries, casinos, sports betting, and online gambling. The framework covers both land-based and internet-based gambling, with specific laws designating permitted activities and the entities authorized to conduct them.

Regulatory Authority

Oversight and enforcement of gambling laws in the DRC are carried out by several government bodies, with responsibilities defined by ordinance and ministerial orders:

Ministry of Sports and Leisure – The primary regulatory authority responsible for the supervision and administration of most gambling activities, including the issuance of relevant regulatory acts and oversight of compliance.
Ministry of Finance – Plays a significant role in the financial regulation of the sector, particularly in relation to tax collection and the setting of fiscal obligations for gambling operators.
Société Nationale de Loterie (SONAL) – The state-owned lottery company, which holds a legal monopoly over lottery games and is involved in the regulation and operation of lottery activities.

These authorities are tasked with ensuring compliance with the legal framework, monitoring the sector, and implementing government policy regarding gambling in the DRC.

License Types

Types of Gambling Licenses Available

Casino License: Authorizes operation of land-based casinos, including table games and slot machines.
Sports Betting License: Covers both retail and online sports betting operations.
Lottery License: Grants permission to operate lotteries, including instant win and matched number games. The national lottery company (SONAL) holds a monopoly over certain lottery products.
Online Gambling License: Permits online betting and gaming activities, including virtual casino games and online sports betting.
Other Games of Chance License: Includes licenses for raffles, prediction contests, and promotional games involving risk.

Application Process for Gambling Licenses

Company Incorporation: The applicant must first incorporate a company in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This involves:
- Obtaining authorization to constitute the company
- Registering articles of association
- Applying for a national identification number
- Registering with tax authorities
- Declaring the company with the Inspectorate of Labour
Ministerial Order/Decree: After incorporation, the operator applies for a license via a ministerial order or decree. The process includes:
- Submission of a formal application to the Ministry of Sports and Leisure or relevant authority
- Review by a commission established by law to assess compliance
- Approval by the General Secretary of Sports and Leisure
- Issuance of an official authorization or permit
Operational Permit: Additional operational permits may be required depending on the scope of activities (e.g., import/export, leisure facilities).

Duration, Renewal, and Eligibility

License Duration: Licenses are generally of unlimited duration but require annual renewal through payment of a renewal fee.
Renewal Conditions: The license remains valid as long as annual fees are paid and the operator does not exceed the authorized scope of activities. If activities extend beyond the licensed scope, the license becomes void for those activities.
Eligibility: Only companies incorporated in the DRC are eligible. The applicant must demonstrate compliance with all regulatory requirements and undergo a background check by the relevant commission.

Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements

Application Fees: Operators must pay application and processing fees as set out by the Ministry of Sports and Leisure and the Ministry of Finance.
Annual Renewal Fees: An annual authorization renewal fee is mandatory to maintain the license. The exact amount depends on the type of gambling activity and is set by ministerial orders.
Ad Valorem Tax: Operators are subject to an ad valorem fee on winnings paid to participants, which is collected at the conclusion of each game, draw, or event.
Additional Financial Requirements: Depending on the activity, operators may need to demonstrate sufficient financial capacity and provide guarantees or bonds as required by the regulator.

Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining a License

Local Incorporation: Only locally registered companies are eligible to apply.
Compliance Documentation: Submission of all statutory documents, including articles of association, proof of company registration, and identification of directors and shareholders.
Regulatory Approval: Positive assessment by the designated commission and approval from the General Secretary of Sports and Leisure.
Operational Scope: Operators must strictly adhere to the scope of activities authorized by their license. Any deviation may result in suspension or revocation.
Ongoing Compliance: Licensees must comply with all ongoing regulatory requirements, including reporting obligations and payment of applicable fees and taxes.

Summary Table: Key Aspects of Gambling Licensing in DRC

Aspect	Description
Types of Licenses	Casino, Sports Betting, Lottery, Online Gambling, Other Games of Chance
Eligibility	Locally incorporated companies only
Application Process	Company incorporation, ministerial order/decree, commission review, official approval
Duration	Unlimited (subject to annual renewal fee)
Renewal	Annual, by payment of renewal fee and compliance review
Costs	Application fee, annual renewal fee, ad valorem tax on winnings
Key Requirements	Local incorporation, compliance documentation, regulatory approval, operational scope adherence

Gambling Tax

Tax Rates for Gambling Operators in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) imposes several taxes on gambling operators, which vary depending on the type of gambling activity. The primary taxes include an authorization tax (licensing fee) and an ad valorem tax on player winnings.

Type of Gambling	Tax Type	Tax Rate	Tax Base
All Gambling Operators (permanent and occasional games)	Authorization Tax (annual fee)	Varies (set by ministerial order; typically a fixed fee)	Annual licensing/authorization
All Gambling Activities (lotteries, betting, casinos, etc.)	Ad valorem Tax on Winnings	Rate set by ministerial order (commonly 10%)	Gross player winnings (paid at the conclusion of each draw or event)

The authorization tax is a fixed annual fee required for the operation of any gambling business, including land-based and online activities.
The ad valorem tax is levied on the total winnings paid out to players, and the operator is responsible for withholding and remitting this tax to the authorities.

Basis for Taxation

The main basis for taxation is the gross winnings paid to players (not gross gaming revenue or turnover).
The ad valorem tax applies to all forms of games of chance, including lotteries, sports betting, instant win games, and similar activities.

Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements

Operators must calculate and withhold the ad valorem tax on player winnings at the conclusion of each event, draw, or game.
Taxes must be reported and remitted to the relevant tax authorities according to the schedule set by the Ministry of Finance and/or the Ministry of Sports and Leisure.
Annual renewal fees for licenses/authorizations must be paid to maintain legal operation status.
Operators are required to maintain accurate records of all transactions, winnings, and taxes withheld for inspection by regulatory authorities.

Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions

No specific tax incentives or exemptions for gambling operators are currently provided under the main regulatory framework.
No special reduced rates or holidays have been reported for new entrants or specific types of gambling activities.
Ongoing sector reforms may introduce changes or new provisions; operators should monitor official announcements for updates.

Recent Developments

The DRC government is actively reforming the gambling sector to enhance transparency, improve tax collection, and combat illegal operations.
Operators should expect increased scrutiny and possible adjustments to tax rates or reporting requirements as reforms are implemented.

Prohibited Individuals

Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements

The minimum legal age for participating in gambling activities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is 18 years. Operators are required to verify the age of players before allowing participation in any gambling or betting activities.
Identification checks are mandatory for players, particularly for significant transactions or prize claims, to prevent underage gambling and ensure compliance with anti-money laundering measures.

Prohibited Activities and Game Restrictions

Only games of chance, lotteries, sports betting, and casino games authorized by the relevant authorities are permitted. Operators are restricted to offering only those activities explicitly allowed under their license or authorization.
Skill games, card games outside of casino environments, and arcade-style gambling are not specifically regulated and are generally not permitted as licensed gambling activities.
Operating gambling activities beyond the scope of the granted authorization is strictly prohibited. If an operator exceeds the permitted activities, their authorization may be revoked.
Unlicensed gambling operations, including unapproved online gambling platforms, are prohibited. Enforcement against illegal operators is a stated priority of ongoing regulatory reforms.

Advertising and Marketing Limitations

Advertising and marketing of gambling services are subject to regulatory oversight to prevent misleading or aggressive promotion, particularly towards minors or vulnerable groups.
Operators must ensure that all marketing materials include clear information about age restrictions and responsible gambling resources.
Promotions that encourage excessive or irresponsible gambling are not permitted. Marketing must not target individuals under the legal gambling age or present gambling as a solution to financial or personal problems.

Responsible Gambling and Player Protection Measures

Operators are required to implement responsible gambling measures, including providing information and resources to help players recognize and address problem gambling behaviors.
Self-exclusion mechanisms must be available, allowing players to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling activities for a specified period.
Information about the risks of gambling, odds of winning, and support for problem gambling must be clearly displayed at gambling venues and on authorized online platforms.
Operators are expected to monitor player behavior for signs of problem gambling and intervene when necessary, including offering referrals to support services.
Anti-money laundering measures are enforced, requiring operators to monitor transactions, report suspicious activities, and maintain records to protect players and the integrity of the gambling sector.

Geographic and Location Restrictions

Land-based gambling venues, such as casinos and betting shops, must be located in areas approved by the authorities and comply with zoning regulations to avoid proximity to schools, places of worship, and other sensitive locations.
Online gambling is permitted only through authorized operators, but the lack of a comprehensive licensing framework for online gambling means that player protections may be limited for offshore or unregulated sites.
Any expansion of gambling activities beyond the authorized geographic area or venue type is not allowed and may result in the loss of operating rights.

Timeline

Year/Date	Event
1927	Decree organizing lotteries adopted, providing the first formal legal framework for gambling activities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
1984	Ordinance No. 84/156 issued, granting the monopoly of lottery games to the national lottery company, Société Nationale de Loterie (SONAL).
2011	Ministerial Order No. 041/MJS/CAB/2100/2011 enacted, further organizing gambling and leisure activities, including the regulation of various forms of gaming.
2018	Ordinance Law No. 18/003 of March 13, 2018, established, detailing duties, taxes, and fees related to gambling activities payable to the central government.
2019	Interministerial Orders No. 001/CAB/MIN/SL/2019 and No. CAB/MIN/FINANCES/2019/133 of November 13, 2019, set the rates for duties, taxes, and fees for gambling and clarified licensing requirements.
2020	Ordinance No. 20/017 of March 27, 2020, defined the roles of ministries involved in gambling regulation, reinforcing the regulatory framework.
2022	Government assessment identified outdated and insufficient gambling regulations, highlighting the need for comprehensive reform to address issues such as money laundering and tax evasion.
2023	Authorities reported the presence of 139 illegal or irregular gambling operators, emphasizing the lack of effective oversight and reliable data in the sector.
2024	Ministerial decree established a dedicated management unit to oversee gambling sector reform, aiming to modernize regulation, enhance tax collection, and combat illicit activities.
2025	Government accelerated gambling sector reform to create a transparent, sustainable, and well-regulated environment, with plans for international collaboration and conferences on best regulatory practices.

Requirements

Software Certification and Technical Standards

There is currently no detailed, published framework specifying mandatory software certification or technical standards for gambling operators in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The regulatory environment is under reform, and requirements may be introduced as part of ongoing modernization efforts.
Operators are expected to ensure the integrity and fairness of their gaming systems, but there is no explicit requirement for third-party software testing or certification by recognized laboratories at this time.
Technical standards for online gambling platforms, including requirements for random number generators (RNGs), game fairness, or system security, have not yet been codified in law or regulation.

Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location

There are currently no dedicated data protection laws in force in the DRC that specifically govern the handling, storage, or transfer of personal or financial data by gambling operators.
No requirements exist regarding the physical location of servers or data centers for gambling operations. Operators are not explicitly required to host data within the country.
Operators are encouraged to implement industry-standard privacy and security measures to protect customer data, but these are not mandated by DRC law at present.

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

The DRC government is actively reforming its gambling sector to address money laundering risks, but as of now, there are no published, detailed AML or KYC technical requirements specific to gambling operators.
Operators are expected to cooperate with authorities in preventing money laundering and financial crime, particularly as reforms are implemented to strengthen oversight and compliance.

Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping

There are no detailed, sector-specific technical requirements for financial reporting, auditing, or record-keeping for gambling operators in the DRC at this time.
Operators are generally subject to standard commercial accounting and tax reporting obligations applicable to all businesses operating in the country.
As part of ongoing reforms, the government is expected to introduce stricter financial reporting and auditing standards for gambling operators to enhance transparency and tax collection.

Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools

No explicit technical requirements or standards exist for the implementation of responsible gambling tools (such as self-exclusion, deposit limits, or reality checks) in the DRC.
Operators are encouraged to adopt responsible gambling measures in line with international best practices, but these are not mandated by law or regulation at this stage.

Note: The gambling regulatory framework in the DRC is undergoing significant reform, with a focus on modernizing technical and operational standards, enhancing AML controls, and improving oversight. Operators should closely monitor regulatory developments, as new technical and compliance requirements are expected to be introduced in the near future.

Sources

Primary Regulatory Authorities

Société Nationale de Loterie (SONAL) – National Lottery Company; holds the monopoly on lottery games and is involved in gambling oversight. Contact: 10 Avenue de la Justice, Kinshasa-Gombe, DRC. Tel: +243 826003481

Is Gambling Legal in Democratic Republic of the Congo?