Sports betting is legal in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where gambling activities including online betting operations are permitted and can be freely established (1). The legal framework governing sports betting in the DRC is based on historical legislation including the decree organizing lottery from August 17, 1927, and more recent ministerial orders that have modernized the regulatory landscape to accommodate contemporary gambling practices.
The Ministry of Sports and Leisure serves as the primary regulatory authority overseeing gambling and sports betting activities in the country, with recent reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and revenue collection (2). The government has implemented stricter taxation measures and introduced digital monitoring systems to better regulate the sector, including a 10% tax on gambling activities and enhanced oversight mechanisms that connect operators' platforms directly to government servers for real-time reporting.
"Gambling including online betting operations are permitted and can freely been established in accordance with the decree organizing lottery of 17 August 1927."
The DRC gambling sector has experienced significant growth, generating over one billion dollars annually, though regulatory challenges remain regarding tax collection and sector oversight. Recent legislative developments include the adoption of landmark bills to establish clearer principles for gambling regulation and the implementation of centralized digital monitoring systems through partnerships with technology providers. These modernization efforts aim to improve transparency, enhance government revenue from the sector, and ensure better compliance with regulatory requirements while maintaining the legal status of sports betting operations throughout the country.
Source:
https://igamingafrika.com/starting-a-gambling-business-in-drc-congo-full-guide/
https://bankable.africa/en/digital/2406-1350-drc-modernizes-gambling-sector-for-enhanced-revenue-mobilization
Last updated: 17-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
