Online betting in Burundi is restricted, not open: it is legal only through a small list of operators licensed by the state lottery, LONA (Loterie Nationale du Burundi). Games of chance are broadly prohibited under the Penal Code except where LONA authorises them, and using cryptocurrency to gamble is not legal because the central bank banned crypto in 2019. If you are in Burundi, the honest position is that your only lawful option is a LONA-authorised operator, paying in Burundian francs via local channels.

Gambling in Burundi is governed by LONA, established under Decree No. 100/231 of 11 December 1989. LONA runs the national lottery and sports betting, is associated with the country’s land-based casino, and licenses a limited number of private operators. Article 463 of Law No. 1/27 of 29 December 2017 (the Penal Code revision) prohibits games of chance in public or accessible places except where LONA authorises them.

In practice this makes Burundi a restricted market: online betting exists, but only via LONA’s licensees. The regulator has publicly reaffirmed an authorised list that has included Bubet, Mega Loto, 1TBet, Rahisibet, King’s and 888Stars. The number of approved operators has been reported at 12 in August 2021 and eight as of early 2024, as LONA tightens oversight. International offshore casinos are not part of this framework and are not authorised for Burundian players.

Who regulates it, and what is changing?

LONA is both operator and regulator today, but a strategic plan adopted in July 2023 directs it to exit commercial activity and become a pure gambling regulator by 2035. To support this, LONA has partnered with technology firm NSoft to deploy a national Gambling Management System (GMS) that is set to cover lotteries, sports betting, horse racing and online platforms, with casino monitoring planned for a later phase. This is a genuine move toward tighter, more transparent supervision.

Payments: local rails, no crypto

Legal betting in Burundi runs on local money. LONA has identified Lumicash, Bancobu ENoti, Cashtel and Ihela as the payment providers supporting its transaction-monitoring system, so deposits and withdrawals typically use these mobile-money and bank channels in Burundian francs (BIF).

Crypto status

Cryptocurrency gambling is not a legal option. On 4 September 2019 the Bank of the Republic of Burundi banned cryptocurrency trading, warning that virtual currencies are unregulated, are not legal tender, and expose users to loss without recourse. A central-bank official said strong measures could be taken against those who ignored the rule. Any offshore site inviting Burundians to deposit in Bitcoin or stablecoins is operating outside both gambling and currency law.

Winnings and tax

Burundi does not publish a clearly documented personal tax rate specifically on player winnings, but gambling is taxed at the product and operator level. A 10% tax applies to raffle and lottery tickets, and LONA has stated that players pay the applicable tax on both their stake and any winnings. Its monitoring system exists partly to ensure gambling taxes and levies are accurately collected. Treat any prize on a legal product as potentially subject to local taxes, and keep records.

Safety and safer-gambling help

Data on problem gambling in Burundi is limited, and we could not confirm a dedicated national gambling helpline. That gap is worth stating plainly rather than papering over. If you or someone you know is struggling, free multilingual support is available online through Gambling Therapy. Stick to LONA-licensed operators, set deposit and time limits before you play, and never chase losses.

Gambling can be addictive. You must be of legal age to gamble. Please play responsibly.

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