Lottery gambling is legal in the Democratic Republic of Congo and operates under a state monopoly granted to the Societe Nationale de Lotterie (SONAL) through Ordinance No. 84/156 of July 4, 1984 (1). The lottery sector is regulated by the Ministry of Sports and Leisure alongside SONAL, with clear licensing frameworks established for gambling operations including licensing processes, criteria, submission requirements, and ongoing compliance obligations (1).
On April 11, 2025, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa's government adopted a landmark draft bill during its 39th council of ministers meeting that establishes foundational principles for games of chance and gambling in the country (2). The legislation, presented by Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba, creates a comprehensive framework including rules and guidelines for operators to follow, with provisions to protect vulnerable individuals such as minors and those at risk of problem gambling (2).
"Another key objective of the reform is to generate more revenue for the state while combating financial crimes like money laundering. The bill introduces a taxation system for the gaming industry that includes taxes on winnings and gross gaming revenue."
For years, the DRC's gaming sector operated without comprehensive legal structure, with reform efforts beginning during Sama Lukonde's tenure when Nicolas Kazadi served as finance minister (2). The new bill sets the stage for a more modern and regulated gaming environment, addressing longstanding challenges of tax evasion and informal operators that previously limited government revenue from the rapidly growing gambling sector (2).
Source:
https://cms.law/en/int/expert-guides/cms-expert-guide-to-gambling-laws-in-africa/democratic-republic-of-congo
https://focusgn.com/africa/drc-government-adopts-landmark-bill-to-regulate-gambling
Last updated: 16-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
