BURUNDI- Burundi is tightening financial oversight of its gambling sector, introducing stricter payment deadlines, tougher penalties and expanded monitoring requirements for operators during the 2026/27 financial year.
The measures are contained in Joint Ministerial Order No. 760/540/319, signed on August 12, which establishes procedures for collecting gaming-related fees and strengthens compliance requirements across the gambling industry. The framework applies to games of chance, lotteries, prediction contests and promotional activities such as tombolas.
Under the new rules, operators that fail to pay their gaming-related fees by the deadline will face a penalty equal to 50% of the amount invoiced. If an outstanding payment remains unpaid for more than one month, the operator’s licence may be suspended until the debt is settled.
The framework implements Article 156 of Burundi’s 2026/27 Finance Law and gives the National Lottery of Burundi (LONA) greater authority to monitor operators and enforce financial obligations.
The new rules also expand LONA’s access to gambling operators’ systems. Gambling companies, lotteries and prediction-contest operators must provide LONA with full access to their information systems, allowing the regulator to monitor transactions and gaming activity more closely.
Operators of offline slot machines and other gaming equipment will also be required to install mechanisms that connect their machines to the government’s electronic financial monitoring system. Failure to meet the technology and access requirements is classified as a serious offence and may trigger sanctions under Burundi’s Penal Code.
The framework maintains a 10% fee on player deposits, a 10% charge on withdrawals and a 10% contribution based on gambling companies’ gross profit. Promotional and occasional gaming activities, including tombolas, are also subject to a 10% fee calculated on the total value of prizes offered.
The applicable fees must be calculated and paid monthly. Once LONA issues an invoice, operators, lotteries and prediction-contest organisers have 10 days from receiving it to make the required payment.
The measures mark a significant tightening of financial and technological oversight in Burundi’s gambling market. With stricter payment deadlines, substantial penalties, system-access requirements and electronic monitoring, operators face greater pressure to maintain accurate records, meet their monthly obligations and comply with LONA’s expanded supervisory powers.
