LONAB adopts new responsible-gambling policy in Burkina Faso
LONAB’s new policy targets responsible governance, player awareness and social responsibility, with particular attention to minors and vulnerable people.
Burkina Faso.- Burkina Faso’s National Lottery (LONAB) has adopted a new responsible-gambling policy aimed at promoting a transparent, ethical and protective gaming environment, with particular attention to minors, vulnerable people and the risks associated with excessive gambling.
The policy came into force on August 4 2026, with LONAB outlining the framework in a communiqué published by Burkina24 on August 13.
The policy seeks to balance economic performance, player satisfaction and sustainable value creation while promoting responsible gaming. It is built around three commitments: “strengthening responsible governance, developing responsible gaming activities and reinforcing LONAB’s social responsibility”.
Under the governance commitment, LONAB said it will focus on integrity, accountability, training and compliance with regulatory requirements. The policy also covers the design, marketing and distribution of gaming products and services. LONAB said communications should provide clear information on game rules, chances of winning and the risks associated with excessive gambling.
Its social-responsibility measures include prevention, information and awareness initiatives, alongside collaboration with institutional and social stakeholders. LONAB’s message was summed up by its motto: “Playing should remain a pleasure: let’s play responsibly.”
LONAB’s broader compliance drive
The policy builds on LONAB’s existing responsible-gambling work rather than introducing the concept for the first time. It also follows recent efforts to strengthen governance and compliance. In June, LONAB partnered with Burkina Faso’s data-protection authority, the Commission de l’Informatique et des Libertés (CIL), on a nationwide campaign to improve personal-data handling across its workforce and sales network.
The policy comes as Burkina Faso continues to reshape its gambling framework, including its approach to online gaming. In March, the Council of Ministers considered a draft decree covering the concession, organisation, operation and control of games of chance at LONAB. The government identified gaps in the existing framework, including the absence of regulation for online games of chance and the operation of online games by unauthorised operators outside state control.
The proposed decree sought to give LONAB exclusive responsibility for organising and operating online games of chance in Burkina Faso, with the government saying the move would improve player protection, strengthen financial-flow traceability, increase state tax revenues and support social programmes financed by LONAB.
The August policy formalises LONAB’s existing responsible-gambling commitments as Burkina Faso continues to modernise its gambling sector.
