Lottery tickets operate under a state monopoly system in Niger, where the government maintains tight control over all legal gambling activities. The National Lottery of Niger, known as LONANI, serves as the main regulatory body and generates revenues primarily from state-run activities alone (1). Due to the lack of a clearly defined licensing system, private operators are not allowed to apply for licenses, making state-approved ventures the only possible form of legal gambling in the country.
The Ministry of Finance oversees gambling regulation in Niger, ensuring the sector strictly abides by national legislation. LONANI embarked on a benchmarking mission to Burkina Faso from May 21 to May 24, 2025, to learn from the experiences and best practices of Burkina Faso's National Lottery (2). The discussions centered on key aspects of online gaming and regulation, including legal frameworks, licensing, operational structures and management strategies, as LONANI aims to improve its performance and competitiveness in Niger's gaming sector.
"By studying LONAB's successful approaches to online gaming, LONANI aims to improve its performance and competitiveness in Niger's gaming sector."
The minimum age for gambling in Niger is 18 years, applying to all approved gambling types including lotteries and betting (1). The government focuses on channeling gambling profits into public welfare projects while minimizing social problems such as addiction and maintaining public order. Niger rarely appears in news for gambling innovation due to its very minute market size and strictly controlled gaming industry, with the state holding a monopoly on all legal gambling activities and no licensing system in place for private operators to participate.
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-niger/
https://focusgn.com/africa/niger-and-burkina-faso-collaborate-on-gaming-best-practices
Last updated: 16-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
