DRC government adopts landmark bill to regulate gambling
The reform aims to generate more revenue for the state and combat money laundering.
DR Congo.- The Democratic Republic of Congo has taken a bold step to reform and regulate its gambling sector.
On April 11, 2025, during its 39th council of ministers meeting, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa’s government adopted a draft bill that establishes the foundational principles for games of chance and gambling in the country.
The legislation, presented by Doudou Fwamba, the Congolese minister of finance, creates a framework, including rules and guidelines for operators to follow and specific requirements for the industry. The bill also includes provisions to protect vulnerable individuals, such as minors and those at risk of problem gambling.
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 has operated without a comprehensive legal structure. The process of reforming the market started during Sama Lukonde’s tenure when Nicolas Kazadi was the finance minister. However, they couldn’t pass the legislation before the end of their terms.
With the new bill, the stage is set for a more modern and regulated gaming environment in the DR Congo.
