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Is Gambling Legal in Republic of the Congo?

Regulated
Gambling is regulated under Law No. 37-2024, covering physical and online betting, casinos, and lotteries with a state-controlled licensing regime.
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    Key Information Highlights Legislation Timeline Requirements Sources

    Key Information

    Last Update 2025
    Regulatory Authority Ministry responsible for gambling
    License Cost Varies

    Regulation by Activity Type

    Casinos Regulated
    Online Casinos Regulated
    Betting Regulated
    Online Betting Regulated
    Lotteries Regulated
    Poker Regulated

    Highlights

    • Law No. 37-2024, enacted in December 2024, is the primary legislation regulating gambling and betting in the Republic of the Congo.
    • The Ministry responsible for gambling oversees the sector, sets policy, and grants operating licenses for both land-based and online operators.
    • Licensing is divided into four categories, covering sports betting, casinos, virtual games, horse racing, lotteries, and slot machines.
    • Online gambling is expressly regulated and must meet the same licensing and operational standards as physical gambling establishments.
    • A national company holds exclusive rights to horse racing bets, lotteries, and scratch games, creating a partial public monopoly.
    • Taxation on gambling is progressive, based on gross gaming revenue, with higher rates for online operators as set by the finance law.
    • Strict penalties are imposed for regulatory violations, and establishments must not be located near sensitive sites such as schools or hospitals.
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      Legislation

      Primary Legislation

      The core legal framework governing gambling in the Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) is established by Law No. 37-2024, published in the official journal on December 12, 2024. This comprehensive law regulates all gambling and betting activities within the country, including both physical and online operations. The legislation defines the scope of gambling, sets the conditions for establishment and operation of gambling venues, and delineates the categories of gambling activities subject to regulation. The law introduces four regulatory frameworks for gambling activities: public monopoly, licensing regime, operating authorization regime, and special authorization regime. It also grants exclusive rights for certain gambling activities—such as horse racing bets, lotteries, and scratch games—to the national gambling company. The law covers the creation, establishment, regulation, and taxation of gambling, and establishes the legal basis for both land-based and online gambling activities.

      Regulatory Authority

      Oversight and enforcement of gambling legislation in the Republic of the Congo are entrusted to the ministry responsible for gambling. This ministry is charged with ensuring state control over the gambling sector to maintain public order, developing public policy in collaboration with other relevant ministries, and supervising compliance with the law. The national company responsible for gambling is also designated as the exclusive operator for certain activities, such as horse racing bets and lotteries. The regulatory authority's key legal responsibilities include:
      • Supervising the implementation and enforcement of gambling laws and regulations
      • Granting, monitoring, and revoking licenses and authorizations for gambling operators
      • Ensuring compliance with the conditions for establishment and operation of gambling venues
      • Overseeing the exclusive rights of the national gambling company for specific gambling activities
      • Developing and updating public policy on gambling in coordination with other ministries

      License Types

      Types of Gambling Licenses Available

      • Sports Betting License: Covers both physical and online sports betting operations.
      • Casino License: Authorizes the operation of land-based casinos and, in some cases, online casino games.
      • Lottery License: Grants the right to operate lotteries, including instant win and matched number games.
      • Virtual Games and Slot Machines License: Specific authorization for virtual gaming and slot machine operations.

      Application Process

      • Company Incorporation: The applicant must first incorporate a local company in the Republic of the Congo. This involves registering articles of association, obtaining a national identification number, and fulfilling other statutory requirements.
      • Ministerial Order/Decree: The company applies for an operating license through a formal request to the relevant ministry (typically the Ministry in charge of Sports and Leisure). The request is reviewed by a commission established by law, and upon a favorable report, the license is issued by ministerial order or decree.
      • Regulatory Review: The commission examines the application for compliance with regulatory requirements, including the intended scope of gambling activities and the suitability of the applicant.
      • Approval and Issuance: Once approved, the license or authorization is granted, allowing the company to operate the specified gambling activities.

      Duration and Renewal Conditions

      • Unlimited Duration: Licenses are generally granted for an unlimited period.
      • Annual Renewal Fee: License holders must pay an annual renewal fee to maintain the validity of their authorization.
      • Scope Limitation: The license is valid only for the activities specified in the authorization. Engaging in activities beyond the licensed scope results in automatic cessation of the license’s effect.

      Eligibility Requirements

      • Local Company Requirement: Only locally incorporated companies are eligible to apply for gambling licenses.
      • Regulatory Compliance: Applicants must demonstrate compliance with all relevant regulations and provide detailed information about their intended operations.
      • Approval by Authorities: The application must be approved by the relevant commission and the General Secretary of Sports and Leisure.

      Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements

      • Application Fees: A non-refundable application fee is required when submitting the license request. The amount varies depending on the type of gambling activity.
      • Annual Renewal Fees: Licensees must pay annual fees to renew their authorization. The rates depend on the category of license and the scale of operations.
      • Other Financial Obligations: Operators may be subject to additional charges, such as ad valorem taxes on winnings and other regulatory fees as set by ministerial orders.

      Key Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining a License

      • Compliance with Scope: Operators must strictly adhere to the activities permitted by their license. Any extension beyond the authorized scope is prohibited.
      • Ongoing Regulatory Oversight: Licensees are subject to ongoing monitoring by the relevant ministry and must comply with all operational and reporting requirements.
      • Renewal and Reporting: Timely payment of annual renewal fees and submission of required reports are necessary to maintain the license in good standing.
      • Location Restrictions: Certain gambling establishments, such as casinos, must be located in approved venues and not near sensitive areas like schools or hospitals.

      Summary Table: Licensing Features

      License Type Eligible Activities Application Method Duration Renewal Key Requirements
      Sports Betting Physical & Online Betting Ministerial Order/Decree Unlimited Annual Fee Local company, regulatory approval, compliance
      Casino Land-based & Online Casino Ministerial Order/Decree Unlimited Annual Fee Venue restrictions, local company, compliance
      Lottery Lotteries, Instant Win, Matched Numbers Ministerial Order/Decree Unlimited Annual Fee Local company, regulatory approval, compliance
      Virtual Games & Slots Online/Physical Slot Machines, Virtual Games Ministerial Order/Decree Unlimited Annual Fee Local company, regulatory approval, compliance

      Gambling Tax

      Tax Rates for Gambling Operators

      The Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) introduced a new regulatory framework for gambling and betting activities with Law No. 37-2024, published in December 2024. This law establishes the taxation regime for gambling operators, both land-based and online.
      Type of Gambling Operation Tax Basis Tax Rate Notes
      All Licensed Gambling Activities (General) Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) Progressive rates (exact rates set by annual finance law) Rates increase with GGR; specifics published annually
      Online Gambling Operators Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) Higher progressive rates than land-based Online operators are subject to higher rates
      • Tax rates are not fixed in the gambling law itself but are determined each year by the national finance law.
      • The law mandates a progressive tax structure, meaning higher GGR brackets are taxed at higher rates.
      • Online gambling is explicitly taxed at higher rates than other forms of gambling.

      Basis for Taxation

      • All gambling taxes are calculated on the basis of Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), defined as total bets received minus winnings paid out to players.

      Tax Reporting and Payment Requirements

      • Operators must maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all gaming transactions, including bets received and winnings paid.
      • Tax declarations must be submitted to the relevant tax authority according to the schedule set in the finance law (typically monthly or quarterly).
      • Payment of taxes is due in accordance with the deadlines established by the finance law and the Ministry of Finance.
      • Failure to report or pay taxes on time may result in penalties, fines, or suspension of the operating license.

      Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions

      • There are no explicit tax incentives or exemptions for gambling operators in the current law.
      • The law provides for the possibility of special provisions or reduced rates for certain categories, but these must be specified in the annual finance law.
      • Exclusive rights for certain types of gambling (e.g., horse racing, lotteries, scratch games) are granted to the national gambling company, which may be subject to different fiscal treatment as specified by the government.

      Prohibited Individuals

      Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements

      • The minimum legal age for participating in any form of gambling in the Republic of the Congo is 18 years. Operators are required to verify the age and identity of all players before granting access to gambling services, both online and at physical venues.
      • Identification checks must be conducted at entry points to casinos and betting establishments, as well as during the registration process for online gambling platforms. Acceptable forms of identification include government-issued IDs or passports.

      Prohibited Types of Gambling Activities and Game Restrictions

      • Unlicensed gambling activities are strictly prohibited. Only operators with a valid authorization under the national law may offer gambling services.
      • Private, unregulated games of chance (such as underground casinos or informal betting rings) are forbidden.
      • Specific restrictions exist on the location and type of establishments: for example, casinos may only operate within designated venues such as luxury hotels or approved gaming zones. They are not permitted near sensitive locations such as hospitals, schools, or military barracks.
      • The national gambling company holds exclusive rights to certain activities, including horse racing bets, lotteries, and scratch games. No other entity may offer these products.

      Advertising and Marketing Limitations

      • All advertising and marketing of gambling services must comply with strict guidelines to prevent targeting minors and vulnerable groups.
      • Advertising is not permitted in media or locations primarily accessed by individuals under the legal gambling age, such as schools or youth centers.
      • Promotional materials 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 portraying gambling as a solution to financial or personal problems.

      Responsible Gambling Requirements and Player Protection Measures

      • Operators are required to implement responsible gambling programs, including providing information about the risks of gambling and access to support services for problem gambling.
      • Self-exclusion mechanisms must be available, allowing players to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling activities for a specified period.
      • Limits on deposits, losses, and playing time must be offered to players to help them control their gambling behavior.
      • Operators must train staff to identify and assist individuals who may be experiencing gambling-related harm.
      • Clear procedures must be in place for handling player complaints and disputes.

      Geographic and Location Restrictions for Gambling Venues

      • Casinos and other gambling establishments can only be located in approved venues, such as luxury hotels or specifically designated gaming areas.
      • Gambling venues are not allowed to operate within close proximity to schools, hospitals, or military installations, ensuring that gambling activities are separated from sensitive community locations.
      • Physical betting shops must be publicly accessible and comply with zoning regulations set by local authorities.
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        Timeline

        Year/Date Event
        August 17, 1927 Decree organizing lotteries is adopted, providing the first legal framework for gambling activities in the Republic of the Congo.
        July 4, 1984 Ordinance No. 84/156 grants a monopoly over lottery games to the state-owned Société Nationale de Loterie (SONAL).
        December 28, 2011 Ministerial Order No. 041/MJS/CAB/2100/2011 is issued, further organizing gambling and betting activities, including online betting.
        November 13, 2019 Interministerial Orders No. 001/CAB/MIN/SL/2019 and No. CAB/MIN/FINANCES/2019/133 set new rates for duties, taxes, and fees for gambling operators.
        March 27, 2020 Ordinance No. 20/017 clarifies the roles of ministries involved in the regulation and oversight of gambling activities.
        December 12, 2024 Law No. 37-2024 is published, establishing a comprehensive regulatory regime for all gambling and betting activities, including clear licensing categories, operating conditions, and state oversight.

        Requirements

        Software Certification and Technical Standards

        • Operators must ensure that all gambling software, including random number generators and gaming platforms, meets recognized international standards for fairness, integrity, and security. Software should be tested and certified by reputable third-party laboratories to guarantee compliance with these standards.
        • Technical systems used for online gambling must provide reliable and auditable transaction records, and must be capable of preventing unauthorized access, manipulation, or tampering.
        • Gaming systems must be able to demonstrate transparency in game outcomes and payout calculations, ensuring traceability and auditability for regulators.

        Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location

        • There are currently no specific national data protection laws or requirements for gambling operators in the Republic of the Congo. As a result, there is no designated data protection regulator or mandatory data localization for gambling-related data.
        • Operators are expected to implement industry best practices for data security and privacy, including secure storage and transmission of personal and financial data, use of encryption, and measures to prevent unauthorized data access or breaches.
        • While there is no explicit requirement for servers to be located within the country, operators should ensure that data is accessible for regulatory inspection and audit purposes if requested by authorities.

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

        • Operators must implement robust AML and KYC procedures to verify the identity of players, monitor transactions for suspicious activity, and report any suspicious transactions to the relevant authorities.
        • Customer due diligence should include the collection and verification of identification documents, monitoring of player behavior and transaction patterns, and ongoing risk assessment for potential money laundering or terrorist financing activities.
        • Operators should maintain internal policies and staff training programs to ensure compliance with AML and KYC obligations.

        Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping

        • Operators are required to maintain detailed and accurate financial records of all gambling transactions, including player deposits, withdrawals, bets, and winnings.
        • Regular financial reporting to the relevant regulatory authority is mandatory, with reports covering gross gaming revenue, tax liabilities, and any other financial obligations specified by law.
        • Operators must ensure that their accounting systems are capable of supporting independent audits and regulatory inspections. Records must be retained for a specified period, typically several years, and made available upon request.

        Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools

        • Operators are expected to provide technical tools that support responsible gambling, such as self-exclusion mechanisms, deposit and loss limits, and reality checks for players.
        • These tools must be integrated into both online and land-based gaming platforms, allowing players to set limits or self-exclude easily and effectively.
        • Operators should display responsible gambling information prominently and provide access to support resources for individuals experiencing gambling-related harm.

        Sources

        Primary Regulatory Authorities

        • Ministry of Economy and Finance (Ministère de l’Économie et des Finances) – Responsible for oversight and regulation of gambling activities in the Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville). Official website: https://www.finances.gouv.cg/ Contact: contact@finances.gouv.cg/

        Legislation Resources

        • National Assembly of the Republic of Congo (Assemblée Nationale) – Portal for legislative texts and parliamentary activity. Official website: https://www.assemblee-nationale.cg/
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          Important Information Notice

          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.

          Last updated: 18 April 2025