DRC National Lottery operator warns of online scam
SONAL urged bettors to avoid fraudulent platforms using its name and exercise caution when making online transactions.
DRC.- The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) National Lottery operator (SONAL) has warned bettors about fraudulent online platforms using its name.
In an August 4 communiqué, SONAL warned bettors that it was the target of an attempted scam on the internet and social media. The lottery operator urged bettors to exercise caution and avoid transactions through platforms claiming to represent SONAL.
The operator said: “SONAL does not organise any online lottery games or betting services, and we accept no responsibility for transactions made through these fraudulent platforms.”
The operator urged bettors to remain vigilant, stressing that “Bet242 has not yet launched” and that no official launch date has been announced. While fraudulent platforms have misused the Bet242 name, the brand itself is expected to be SONAL’s forthcoming official online betting service once the DRC’s gambling sector reforms are complete.
The warning comes as the DRC implements a broader overhaul of its gambling sector. The Ministry of Finance is overseeing a national regulation and supervision platform covering sports betting, casinos, lotteries and prediction contests. Operators were required to submit identification information by July 31, while the system’s pilot phase is due to end on August 30, after which non-compliant operators could face administrative measures and penalties.
The monitoring system is being developed as the DRC moves towards greater centralised oversight of gambling activity. SONAL’s warning highlights the risks surrounding digital gambling, particularly where unauthorised platforms use established lottery and gambling brands to attract bettors.
