Willy Mishiki Buhini, Member of Parliament representing the Walikale constituency, officially tabled a bill in the National Assembly on February 11, 2026, aimed at regulating and bringing order to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) rapidly expanding gambling sector.
The DRC’s iGaming market is estimated to be worth $1.7 billion annually. However, the government currently captures only a tiny fraction, approximately $1 million, since much of the industry operates in a legal grey area. Operators often pay only what they deem appropriate due to a lack of government oversight. This regulatory impasse is compounded by the absence of implementing decrees for existing laws, leaving authorities unable to effectively monitor or manage the large volume of transactions flowing through mobile money platforms.
To address this, the lawmaker has proposed legislation that seeks to regulate sports betting, lotteries, and online gaming platforms, replacing the current disorder with a comprehensive regulatory framework.
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The bill outlines three main priorities: First, modernizing tax control by requiring operators to interconnect their systems with the tax administration for real-time revenue monitoring, enabling the state to track betting activity and assess tax liabilities as transactions occur; second, strengthening public revenues through stricter mechanisms to combat tax evasion and ensure effective tax collection; and third, enhancing social protection by proposing stricter supervision to safeguard minors and measures to reduce gambling addiction, which is a growing concern among youth in the country.
While many see the bill as a necessary step for the state to capitalize on this lucrative sector, public reactions have been mixed. Some welcome increased transparency, while others worry that stricter regulations could complicate life for bettors.
The draft law is now progressing through the legislative process in the National Assembly, with stakeholders awaiting how the debate will unfold.
