Preparations are underway to implement the new regulatory\u00a0framework<\/strong>, centralising oversight of Burundi\u2019s gambling operations. \u201cThe National Lottery of Burundi (LONA) has announced plans to open a Gambling Regulatory Authority by June 30, 2026, as part of a\u00a0broader move<\/strong>\u00a0to formalise licensing and compliance in the country\u2019s gaming market,\u201d said an IGT report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The move aligns with the 2023\u20132035 National Strategy<\/strong> for the Control and Regulation of Gambling, adopted by the Council of Ministers in July 2023. The plan will end LONA\u2019s commercial operations, refocusing its mandate<\/strong> solely on regulatory oversight and supervision of licensed operators nationwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The report added: \u201cThe roadmap<\/strong> includes establishing an overall licensing and compliance framework at the national level<\/strong>, which will hopefully reduce illegal activity and attract structured investment into the market. The sector has significant untapped potential<\/strong>, especially as mobile internet access increases and youth demographics continue to grow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n As part of the\u00a0reforms<\/strong>, LONA has partnered with\u00a0technology provider<\/strong>\u00a0NSoft to deploy a\u00a0Gambling Management System (GMS)\u00a0<\/strong>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\u00a0revenue\u00a0<\/strong>reporting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n LONA said: \u201cThe implementation of NSoft\u2019s technological governance solutions to oversee the gambling sector in Burundi is a key step<\/strong> in our revenue mobilisation strategy and in the restoration of our digital sovereignty<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The creation of a dedicated regulatory authority is expected to strengthen compliance, improve\u00a0player protections<\/strong> and provide clear guidance for operators entering Burundi\u2019s emerging gambling market. Existing concession contracts will continue until their expiration, allowing a\u00a0smooth transition<\/strong>\u00a0while the GRA assumes full oversight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The reforms follow a broader East African trend<\/strong>, 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<\/strong> best practices and encourage structured investment in the sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The planned launch of the GRA by mid-2026 represents a tangible<\/strong> step forward in transforming Burundi\u2019s gambling landscape, providing clarity<\/strong> for regulators, operators, and players as the sector modernises. <\/p>\n\n\nDigital oversight and regulatory reform<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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