Burundi Crackdown: License Suspension and Heavy Penalties for Gambling Operators

A sharp wind is blowing for gambling companies in Burundi as the government implements massive new regulations for the 2026/2027 financial year. These rules include severe financial penalties and seamless technical surveillance. Any operator failing to comply will be ruthlessly removed from the market. This affects not only large online providers but all forms of games of chance, including local tombolas and prize draws.

The foundation for this hardline approach is Joint Ministerial Order No. 760/540/319, signed on August 12. It implements Article 156 of the 2026/2027 Finance Law. The authorities' goal is clear: every single cent moved in the gambling sector must be visible and taxable. To achieve this, operators are required to grant the National Lottery of Burundi (LONA) full access to their information systems.

Numbers and facts

The financial impact of the new decree is substantial. Operators must pay monthly invoices from LONA within ten days. Failure to do so results in an automatic 50 percent penalty added to the invoice total. If the delay exceeds one month, the operator's license is suspended immediately until all debts are cleared.

Furthermore, specific levy rates have been established. Article 3 of the order mandates a 10 percent fee on all player deposits. Those wishing to withdraw winnings must also surrender 10 percent to the state. The companies themselves are charged a 10 percent contribution on their gross profit, defined as net turnover minus player winnings. Even promotional games or tombolas are not exempt; organizers must pay 10 percent of the total prize value. A particularly notable rule concerns dormant accounts: if a player fails to claim a win for three months and shows no activity, the funds must be transferred to the Public Treasury.

Background

These strict measures follow a strategic partnership formed in 2024 between the Government of Burundi, represented by LONA, and B&N Partners. This cooperation created the foundation for the electronic financial monitoring system, to which even land-based operators, such as slot machine providers, must now connect. Failure to link equipment to this system is classified as a serious fault, potentially leading to criminal sanctions under the Penal Code.

"The order requires gambling companies, lotteries and prediction contests to grant LONA full access to their information systems to strengthen monitoring and ensure transparency." - Official Statement, Joint Ministerial Order No. 760/540/319

Revenues flow into accounts at the Bank of the Republic of Burundi. 40 percent of the funds are transferred directly to the Public Treasury, while the remaining 60 percent go to a commercial bank account controlled by LONA. This ensures the state has direct access to the industry's liquid assets.

Why it matters for German players

For German players, the developments in Burundi have no direct legal impact, as the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) applies in Germany. However, Burundi's example highlights a global trend toward massive state control. In Germany, this control is already reality through the LUGAS system. German players must adhere to a monthly deposit limit of 1,000 euros across all providers and may bet a maximum of 1 euro per spin on virtual slots. While Burundi imposes 10 percent on deposits and withdrawals, Germany has an indirect tax burden through the 5.3 percent stake tax, often passed to customers via lower payout ratios.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

German providers with a license from the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) are already strictly regulated. The measures in Burundi, such as direct system access for authorities, sound familiar to German licensees, as the GGL possesses similar control mechanisms. However, the 50 percent late payment penalty in Burundi is a severity not found in Germany. GGL-licensed casinos offer German players legal certainty and player protection, whereas providers from Burundi or those with MGA or Curacao licenses are illegal for German customers and offer no protection in disputes.