Gabon Launches Licensing Bid to Strengthen Responsible Gambling and Industry Standards
The Gabonese National Lottery (GDJ) has officially opened a call for expressions of interest, inviting private companies to apply for gaming licenses under a newly established, state-supervised framework.
This initiative is part of Gabon’s broader efforts to implement significant institutional reforms aimed at transitioning from an informal economy to a more transparent and regulated system, particularly within the entertainment and gaming sectors. These reforms seek to strengthen regulatory oversight, safeguard consumers, and align Gabon’s gambling market with international standards.
A key element of this reform is the mandatory renewal of all existing gambling authorizations. Under the new framework, current licenses and declarations will expire three months after April 7, 2026, becoming invalid by July 7, 2026. To operate legally beyond that date, market participants must obtain new licenses through GDJ’s updated regulatory system.
The transition follows legal ordinances adopted on December 30, 2025, introduced major updates to Gabon’s laws governing games of chance, reflecting the country’s evolving economic landscape. GDJ, through an official communiqué signed by Director General Roméo Nguema Ondo, announced the first stage of a competitive selection process. Interested companies are required to submit proposals demonstrating their technical expertise, financial strength, and operational capacity.
GDJ also plans to launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about gambling risks and available support mechanisms. This highlights the government’s commitment to fostering a responsible gaming environment that prioritizes citizen well-being and supports the sustainable growth of the industry.
Beyond financial and technical qualifications, GDJ is seeking partners whose projects align with national strategic priorities, including economic development and sovereignty. Selected operators will need to meet strict regulatory standards for responsible gambling, anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorism financing (CTF), data security, and safeguarding minors.
Through these reforms, the Gabonese government aims to establish a transparent, well-regulated environment that attracts reputable industry operators and encourages foreign investment. Integrating formal operators into a structured market is expected to stimulate local economic growth, create employment, and increase tax revenues for public services.
