DRC Ministry of Finance Ends Ambiguity Over Gambling Oversight
The Democratic Republic of Congo has ordered gambling operators to register with the Ministry of Finance and warned them against making payments to unauthorised government departments. The directive applies to sports betting companies, casinos, lotteries, prediction contest organisers and businesses offering similar services.
In a statement issued on 27 August 2026, the ministry said it had been entrusted with leading the reform and regulation of the gambling sector. Its mandate is supported by Ordinance No. 25/293 of 15 December 2025, which places operator registration and gambling regulation under the Finance Ministry and removes gambling and lottery matters from the responsibilities of the Ministry of Sports and Leisure. The government says this arrangement eliminates uncertainty over which institution has authority over the sector.
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Operators must now register with the relevant departments of the Finance Ministry, obtain the required approvals or authorisations and meet their financial obligations through legally authorised services. “Consequently, all operators concerned are required to register with the relevant departments of the Ministry of Finance, obtain the necessary approvals or authorizations, and fulfill their obligations to the legally authorized services. Any approval, authorization, collection notice, or other document issued by an authority or department lacking jurisdiction in this matter is without legal effect and cannot release the taxpayer from their obligations to the Public Treasury,” the statement read.
The ministry is also responsible for initiating the collection of gambling-related duties, taxes and fees. These include the tax on an operating license for a gambling or lottery business and the ad valorem tax on player winnings from betting, lotteries, prediction contests and similar activities. The latter applies regardless of how the games are offered, including through telecommunications and other digital technologies.
The Directorate General of Administrative, Judicial, State Property and Equity Revenue has been instructed to enforce the applicable laws, identify and cancel irregularly issued revenue notices, and refer those responsible to the relevant authorities. Officials found to have issued such documents could face administrative, disciplinary or criminal sanctions. Operators have also been told not to respond to payment requests, audits or revenue notices from unauthorised services and to report them immediately to the Finance Ministry and the DGRAD.
