jili tutorial

DRC Ministry of Finance Clarifies Sole Authority Over Gambling: A Comprehensive Guide to the New Regulatory Landscape

By jili tutorial · September 10, 2026

DRC Ministry of Finance Clarifies Sole Authority Over Gambling: A Comprehensive Guide to the New Regulatory Landscape

Introduction: A Turning Point for DRC Gambling Oversight

On 27 August, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Ministry of Finance issued a press release that marked a decisive moment for the country’s gambling industry. The statement reaffirmed that the Ministry of Finance—and no other government body—holds exclusive authority to regulate all gambling and games of chance activities. Signed by Alain Malata Kafunda, chief of staff to the DRC Minister of Finance, the release was designed to eliminate what the Ministry described as “any institutional ambiguity” over who should oversee the sector. This guide unpacks the announcement, explains the background, and explores what it means for operators, taxpayers, and the future of gambling in the DRC.

Background: Why Ambiguity Existed

The Shift from Sports and Leisure to Finance

For years, the DRC’s gambling sector was regulated under the Ministry of Sports and Leisure. However, a formal transfer of responsibility occurred via Ordinance No. 25/293, which legally moved oversight to the Ministry of Finance. Despite this ordinance, some operators and other government departments continued to act as though the old structure remained in place, creating confusion over which agency could issue approvals, collect fees, and enforce rules.

The Problem of Overlapping Authorities

When multiple departments claim jurisdiction, operators face inconsistent demands—such as paying license fees or taxes to unauthorized bodies. This not only undermines legal certainty but also risks financial losses for businesses and lost revenue for the state. The Ministry of Finance’s latest statement aims to end such practices once and for all.

Key Announcements from the Ministry of Finance

Sole Authority Confirmed

The press release explicitly states that the Ministry of Finance is the only entity with the legal mandate to regulate gambling. Any action taken by another department—whether approving a license, issuing a payment notice, or conducting an inspection—is considered void unless explicitly authorized by the Ministry of Finance or its delegated agencies.

Warning Against Unauthorized Payment Requests

Operators were warned not to comply with payment demands from departments lacking legal authority. The Ministry called for such incidents to be reported immediately to two bodies:

The DGRAD has been tasked with identifying and canceling any irregularly issued payment notices. The message is clear: pay only to authorized recipients, or risk double liability.

The Ministry stressed that “any approval, authorisation, payment notice or other act issued by a department without authorisation was devoid of legal effect.” In plain terms, if a rogue agency grants a license or demands a fee, that action does not count—and operators remain fully liable for meeting their true obligations to the Public Treasury.

Taxation Challenges: The Reality Behind the Potential

A Market with Huge Potential, Yet Low Tax Yield

The DRC is often described as an under-tapped gambling market, thanks to its population exceeding 100 million. Yet tax collection has been notoriously poor. Last year, Minister of Finance Doudou Fwamba estimated that iGaming operators alone generated around $1.7 billion in annual revenue, but paid only approximately $1 million in taxes—a collection rate of less than 0.06%.

The Declaration-Based System Flaw

The current tax system relies heavily on self-declaration: operators report their own revenues and pay taxes accordingly. In practice, this creates a perverse incentive to underreport. As a CEO of a prominent operator told iGB last year:

“Operators do pay, yes, but they pay whatever suits them. In other words, we effectively pay what benefits us. All the while, the state has no means of monitoring its regulatory policies.”

This quote highlights a structural weakness: the government lacks the tools to verify declared revenues or enforce accurate payments.

A Digital Oversight Platform in the Works

To address the monitoring gap, the Ministry of Finance announced earlier this year that it is developing a new gambling monitoring platform. This system is intended to provide real-time visibility into operator activities, allowing tax authorities to cross-check declarations with actual transaction data. If implemented effectively, it could dramatically improve tax compliance.

Alongside the platform, the DRC government is drafting a new legal framework for the gambling industry. The objectives include:

Implications for Operators and the Public Treasury

For Operators: Greater Clarity, Higher Compliance Pressure

The reaffirmation of sole authority brings legal certainty: operators now know exactly which government body to deal with. However, it also signals a tightening grip. With a new monitoring platform on the horizon, self-declaration may no longer be a viable loophole. Operators should prepare for more rigorous audits and real-time reporting requirements.

For the Public Treasury: A Chance to Recover Billions

If the new measures succeed, the DRC could unlock millions—or even billions—in additional tax revenue. The current gap of $1.7 billion in revenue versus $1 million in taxes is unsustainable. The Ministry of Finance’s determination to “uphold legal certainty for operators, transparency in activities and the protection of the Public Treasury’s interests” suggests a zero-tolerance approach going forward.

Practical Guidance for Gambling Operators in the DRC

Steps to Ensure Compliance

  1. Verify Authorized Contacts – Only interact with officials from the Ministry of Finance or its specifically delegated bodies (e.g., DGRAD for revenue matters).
  2. Document All Payments – Keep detailed records of taxes, license fees, and any other financial transactions.
  3. Report Irregular Demands – If any other department requests payment or approval, immediately inform the Ministry of Finance and DGRAD.
  4. Stay Updated on Legal Changes – The new legal framework is still under development. Monitor official announcements to avoid surprises.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Conclusion: A New Era of Oversight

The DRC Ministry of Finance’s reaffirmation of its sole authority is more than a bureaucratic statement—it is a signal that the government intends to transform gambling from a lightly regulated, under-taxed activity into a properly governed revenue source. For operators, the message is both a warning and an opportunity: comply with the correct authority, or face legal and financial consequences. For the Public Treasury, the promise of better monitoring and modernized laws offers a realistic path to capturing the sector’s true value.