Burundi to transition National Lottery into Gambling Regulatory Authority by mid‑2026
The move will see Burundi’s National Lottery (LONA) shift from operator to regulator, strengthening oversight of the country’s gambling sector by mid‑2026.
Burundi.- Burundi is set to transition its National Lottery (LONA) into a formal Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) by mid‑2026, positioning it to lead nationwide oversight of licensing, compliance and enforcement across the country’s gambling sector.
Preparations are underway to implement the new regulatory framework, centralising oversight of Burundi’s gambling operations. “The National Lottery of Burundi (LONA) has announced plans to open a Gambling Regulatory Authority by June 30, 2026, as part of a broader move to formalise licensing and compliance in the country’s gaming market,” said an IGT report.
The move aligns with the 2023–2035 National Strategy for the Control and Regulation of Gambling, adopted by the Council of Ministers in July 2023. The plan will end LONA’s commercial operations, refocusing its mandate solely on regulatory oversight and supervision of licensed operators nationwide.
The report added: “The roadmap includes establishing an overall licensing and compliance framework at the national level, which will hopefully reduce illegal activity and attract structured investment into the market. The sector has significant untapped potential, especially as mobile internet access increases and youth demographics continue to grow.”
Digital oversight and regulatory reform
As part of the reforms, LONA has partnered with technology provider NSoft to deploy a Gambling Management System (GMS) covering lotteries, sports betting, horse racing and online platforms, with plans to integrate casinos in later phases. The system is designed to enhance transparency, track operator activity, enforce compliance and support accurate revenue reporting.
LONA said: “The implementation of NSoft’s technological governance solutions to oversee the gambling sector in Burundi is a key step in our revenue mobilisation strategy and in the restoration of our digital sovereignty.”
The creation of a dedicated regulatory authority is expected to strengthen compliance, improve player protections and provide clear guidance for operators entering Burundi’s emerging gambling market. Existing concession contracts will continue until their expiration, allowing a smooth transition while the GRA assumes full oversight.
The reforms follow a broader East African trend, where countries such as Rwanda and Kenya have modernised lottery and gambling regulation. By setting a timeline for the GRA, the government aims to follow international best practices and encourage structured investment in the sector.
The planned launch of the GRA by mid-2026 represents a tangible step forward in transforming Burundi’s gambling landscape, providing clarity for regulators, operators, and players as the sector modernises.
