DRC lawmaker pushes bill to strengthen gambling regulation and tax oversight
National Assembly member Willy Mishiki proposes stricter controls on betting and lottery activities to improve transparency and protect vulnerable communities.
DRC.- A member of the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Willy Mishiki, has proposed new legislation aimed at strengthening regulation of sports betting, lotteries and online gaming in the country as authorities seek greater oversight of the gambling sector and its tax revenues.
Mishiki, who represents Walikale Territory in North Kivu province, submitted the bill to the National Assembly on February 11, 2026. The initiative was prompted by concerns about the lack of effective monitoring mechanisms within the gambling industry, which the lawmaker said has resulted in significant financial losses for the public treasury.
He noted that substantial sums generated by gambling activities escape national taxation each month due to limited transparency in the management of financial flows within the sector. “Our legislation no longer allows the Congolese state to effectively control this sector,” said Mishiki, according to Radio Okapi.
Mishiki also said the proposal is linked to commitments made by the DRC under a strategic partnership agreement with the United States, particularly in efforts to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
He added: “We are also proposing a reform of the National Lottery Society, similar to the Canadian Lottery, which has financed more than 60 per cent of social housing. We have planned a 5 per cent tax on revenue generated. With this law, the state could recover nearly two billion dollars and secure the financial system.”
Key reform measures
The proposed legislation outlines several priority areas for reform. The first involves modernising tax monitoring, requiring gambling operators to interconnect their systems with tax authorities to allow real-time monitoring of revenues generated.
The proposal also seeks to strengthen public revenue collection by introducing stricter mechanisms designed to combat tax evasion and ensure operators pay the taxes owed to the state.
In addition, the bill includes provisions focused on social protection, proposing stronger safeguards to protect minors and limit the risks associated with gambling addiction, particularly among young people.
The draft law will now follow the legislative process in the National Assembly before any potential implementation.
