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Burundi is an East African country that has no coastline and is home to roughly 13 million people. It has serious economic issues and has one of the lowest GDPs per capita in the world. The iGaming sector in Burundi is new; LONA is a monopoly run by the government and not part of an active commercial market, mainly as a result of the Penal Code of 2008, which made most forms of gambling illegal. The only legal options available to gamblers in Burundi are the lottery, sports betting, and one land-based casino (located in Gitega). The government gets money from LONA’s legal operations while also attempting to close down illegal gaming operations.
Recently, LONA (sometimes referred to as LONABU) announced it will take a more active role in regulating the gaming market by opening a Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) that is expected to open by June 30, 2026. The plan is to establish an overall licensing and compliance framework at the national level, which will hopefully reduce illegal activity and attract structured investment into the market. There is no comprehensive market data for 2025 at this moment, but the limitations on this sector indicate significant untapped potential, especially as mobile internet access increases and youth demographics continue to grow.
Market Overview
The iGaming industry in Burundi is limited in scope and strictly regulated, with most of the business coming from state-run gaming activities rather than from competitive entities. There is no specific data available regarding all revenues generated or how many players are currently active, but this market falls within the context of Africa’s gaming market, which is expected to reach approximately $6.78 billion by 2030 (7.5% year-on-year growth) based on projections.
The IGP (Institut des Jeux de Paris) is the primary source of revenue, supervising and managing the country’s lottery, betting on sporting events, and co-owning the only legal casino, Lydia Ludique. N-Soft’s monitoring platform in 2024 supported the ability to link together 8 different betting service providers for improved revenue tracking and only minor improvements to online offerings through the Rahisibet sportsbook.
Table 1 – Burundi iGaming Market Snapshot
| Indicator | Detail |
|---|---|
| Legal status | Highly restricted; gambling is only legal when operated or expressly authorized by LONA |
| Main legal verticals | National lottery, retail sports betting, Lydia Ludique Burundi casino, limited online sportsbook |
| Primary regulator (in transition) | Loterie Nationale du Burundi (LONA), evolving into a dedicated gambling regulator by 2035 |
| Estimated regional context | Part of African gambling market projected to reach ~US$6.78 billion by 2030 |
| Market maturity | Nascent / state-monopolized; no detailed national GGR or player statistics published |
| Key demand drivers | Youthful population, growing mobile connectivity, interest in football betting |
Market Size & Growth
- Africa’s regulated gambling market, including Burundi, is estimated at roughly US$3.6–3.7 billion in the early 2020s and projected to approach US$6.8 billion by 2030 at about 7–8% annual growth, driven mainly by larger economies but also by increased formalization in smaller states.
Within this regional frame, Burundi’s legal market is:
- Narrow, with revenues coming primarily from LONA’s lottery draws, sports bets, and the Lydia Ludique casino, plus a small set of monitored operators.
- Under‑reported, as detailed national revenue, GGR, or player numbers are not publicly disclosed by regulators or international databases.
- N‑Soft’s implementation for Burundi focuses on real‑time data capture (player registrations, game results, jackpot distributions, betting revenue, and profits), indicating that authorities are now building the databases that could underpin more precise market sizing and taxation in the medium term.
Popular Game Types
- Lottery
- National lottery draws operated by LONA are the most established and widely recognized gambling format, accessible through physical agents and forming the backbone of formal gambling activity.
- Sports betting
- LONA runs retail sports betting and has licensed Rahisibet as an online sportsbook brand in Burundi, which positions sports betting as the core growth product, especially for younger, mobile‑connected consumers.
- Betting tends to focus on popular international football leagues, mirroring wider East and Sub‑Saharan African preferences.
- Casino gaming
- The Lydia Ludique Burundi casino offers a small portfolio of slot machines and electronic games rather than a full suite of table games, reflecting both regulatory caution and limited high‑income demand.
- Casino gaming outside this venue is officially illegal; unlicensed slot halls or back‑room casinos are periodically raided and shut down.
- Online gambling / virtual games
- Licensed online activity is largely confined to sportsbook operations (Rahisibet), with a limited selection of online casino slots.
- Offshore sites can be accessed but operate in a legal grey area, and there is no formal segmentation data for online casino, poker, or virtual games in Burundi.
Player Demographics
Age Profile:
- African sports-betting data shows 18–35 as the most active group (40–70% of bettors); Burundi’s youth unemployment and football interest concentrate players here.
Gender Split:
- Predominantly male (>70%), with slow female growth; cultural barriers reinforce male skew in retail and casino.
Preferences and Behavior:
- Low-stakes lottery for jackpots.
- Small accumulator bets on football.
- Occasional Lydia Ludique visits.
Mobile betting rises with penetration, limited by income and rules.
Regulatory Landscape
In the Republic of Burundi, the regulation of gambling has evolved from concentrated power in the government toward a more multifaceted and segmented approach. The dominant player in gambling within the country has historically been the National Lottery of Burundi (Loterie Nationale du Burundi) and its monopoly on gaming activities; however, the government is making policy efforts to separate and formalize the functions of licensing, regulating, and tax collecting. To reflect the larger economic development goals for Burundi, a “National Strategy for the Control and Regulation of Gambling” has been developed (2023-2035), and several new draft decrees are under consideration to create a better-governed, regulated, and structured gaming industry in the country.
Overview of Existing Gambling Regulations
- All forms of gambling are illegal unless they are under the control of LONA or have been specifically authorized by LONA. LONA is the responsible authority for managing the National Lottery, Sports Betting, and the Lydia Ludique Burundi Casino.
- In the year 2000, the State started a slow transition towards a more controlled system of concessions. LONA now operates with licensed associates who previously had 15 licensed associates, but currently has 8 of those associates operating. All of these associates currently operate under the regulation of LONA and provide services for betting and gaming.
- The Government of Burundi has recently developed a strategy to regulate and monitor the consumption of gambling, as well as to establish minimum distances for gambling establishments from schools and other areas where minors congregate, and to promote social and economic development through localized activity rather than increasing the level of poverty in the country.
Licensing Requirements and Regulatory Authorities
Currently, LONA (the Lottery Authority of New Zealand) serves as the main authority for regulating gambling, providing operators with permits and overseeing the activities of those operators while also operating commercial ventures.
Policy communications and specialist legal commentaries indicate the following:
- In order to operate a gambling facility or activity in New Zealand, operators must first have a concession granted by the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Trade, which is then issued and supervised by LONA. All operating contracts establish specific activities and locations that can be performed by the operator.
- Licensees/applicants are expected to demonstrate proof of financial stability and have an acceptable Anti-Money Laundering system in place, along with ensuring fairness in games played at their facilities, and a system exists to assist players who have gambling-related problems.
- LONA’s dual role (operator and regulator) was acknowledged as problematic in 2024, and as a result, the government has committed to restructuring the organization so that LONA is solely designated as a Gambling Regulatory Agency (GRA) and not also an operator.
Taxation and Compliance Details
The published tax rates on different goods that the government will collect (Gross Gambling Revenue Tax – GGR Tax, Corporate Income Tax – C Tax, Withholding Tax for Winnings – W Tax) have not been published for Burundi. However, a strong effort is being made by using technology as a digital method to enhance the amount of money that the government collects from gaming through Digital Oversight. N-SOFT, a provider of this technology, is working on providing a solution to LONA in June 2024. This solution provides a Central Monitoring Platform.
- This Platform will provide a link between all licensed Gaming Operators and LONA’s Central Monitoring System.
- It will also provide real-time tracking of;
- Player Registrations
- Game Results
- Jackpot Distributions
- Betting Revenue
- Profits for purposes of facilitating accurate tax assessments and controls.
- LONA’s Director General has stated that because of the enforcement of this type of system, LONA has increased the amount of taxes received from the gaming sector by approximately 552% due to strict compliance efforts and an improved ability to close off leakages from Gaming Operators who under-report turnover.
Upcoming Legislative Changes
On July 27, 2023, the government of Burundi approved its strategic plan to regulate gambling, which will span the next 12 years (from 2023 until 2035). Overall, the government intends to accomplish the following:
- Limit the consumption of gambling and oversee those who operate gambling establishments;
- Create a prohibition against allowing gambling establishments in low-income/working-class areas, as well as near schools;
- Establish clear guidelines about operator financial contributions, which will guide how operators may conduct gambling.
Additionally, a draft decree was tabled for approval in June 2024 regarding:
- Establishment of a well-organized, regulated, and controlled gambling sector;
- Increased protection for players (particularly vulnerable groups) through stronger protections;
- Clarification of the rules that govern operator obligations, the terms of concession contracts, and the collection of government revenue from gambling activities.
- In conjunction with this reform, LONA will transition from a commercial enterprise to an independent gambling regulatory agency. To this end, the government will gradually allow for the expiration or renegotiation of existing concession contracts under the new framework established by the strategic plan.
For both operators and investors, the proposed changes mean:
- Transition from a system of “one-off” concession contracts to a system that utilizes a standardized licensing regime, with centralized digital monitoring of gambling establishments and, consequently, a more predictable and possibly heavier tax burden and compliance obligation.
Competitive Landscape
Despite being a relatively small African country, Burundi has a very concentrated online gambling and iGaming industry. There is only one state-run agency and a few state-sanctioned partners involved in all legal operations within Burundi. Loterie Nationale Du Burundi (LONA) is the central agency for this industry and acts primarily as a regulator, while historically, LONA also operated the national lottery, a licensed sports betting site, and partnered with private investment groups to establish the Lydia Ludique Burundi Casino. Additionally, there is only one online sportsbook licensed within Burundi, Rahisibet, which offers limited online sports betting and casino slot content, creating a monopoly-type structure characterized by restrictive licensing agreements or “concession agreements” as opposed to more free-market competition.
Key Market Players
- LONA: Runs lottery, retail betting, Lydia Ludique casino; supervises operators and enforces against illegals.
- Lydia Ludique Burundi: LONA co-owned casino in Gitega; slots/electronic games only, managed by Grupo Pefaco.
- Rahisibet: LONA-licensed online sportsbook + limited slots; East African operator, Pragmatic Play partner.
- Other concessionaires: 8 active LONA partners (lottery/betting); names undisclosed.
Market Share Distribution
Quasi-state / State Dominance
- The majority of the legal GGR for gambling in Burundi will derive from or be operated through LONA / National Lottery, Lydia Ludique Casino, or Retail Bets, with LONA fast becoming a de facto monopoly.
- The licensed betting operation for Rahisibet, although a small portion of the market at this point, is growing rapidly and is seen by many as the only licensed digital brand in Burundi under the authority of LONA.
Non-Licensed and Offshore
- Although Burundians can access offshore online sports betting and casino sites, these sites do compete for customers in the international market and aren’t part of the local gambling framework. Therefore, the total handle (gross volume) of all unlicensed businesses/brands cannot be quantified.
- Unlicensed (local) gambling shops/slot halls and similar businesses are regularly raided or closed down by authorities, and their equipment is seized, which limits their long-term viability, although this does point to a sizable informal segment.
Partnerships and Strategic Alliances
- LONA – Lydia Ludique: Co-owned casino with Jacques Renard/Grupo Pefaco; state control + expert management.
- LONA – Rahisibet: Licensed online sportsbook/slots; enables regulated digital entry.
- LONA – N-Soft: 2024 monitoring platform for 8 operators; boosts tax collection and oversight.
The market is shaped by state policy over competition.
Consumer Trends
The factors consisting of widespread poverty, youth unemployment, and an expanding mobile connectivity infrastructure in Burundi give a context to the behavior patterns of gambling customers in this country. Although there are some limited areas of legal formalized internet gaming (a) the state-sponsored lottery (b) retail betting (c) a regulated online sportsbook, the gambling behaviors of young adult Burundians are similar to many other youths throughout sub-Saharan Africa, who generally prefer to place low stake, high hope wagers.
Table 2 – Consumer and Usage Profile
| Aspect | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Typical age band | Predominantly 18–35, in line with regional sports-betting demographics |
| Gender skew | Mostly male participation, especially in sports betting and casino play |
| Main products used | Low-stakes lottery tickets, football-focused sports bets, and occasional slot play |
| Core motivations | Desire for quick financial gains amid poverty and unemployment; entertainment |
| Digital access | ~8.04 million mobile connections (~56–57% of population) by 2025 |
| Payment behavior | Heavy reliance on mobile money and agent networks; limited card/bank usage |
Player Behavior and Preferences
Motivations:
Youth bet on sports as an escape from unemployment, seeking big wins via small stakes; some adolescents start at 13, risking theft.
Game Preferences:
- Low-price lottery for jackpots.
- Football betting (local/European leagues).
- Urban slots at Lydia Ludique.
Demographics:
Males 18–35 dominate, per African trends.
Payment Methods and Technological Trends
- Mobile Money
Lumitel Money dominates (60% share, 1.4M accounts, 16,800 agents); primary for iGaming deposits/withdrawals in East Africa. - Device Access
8.04M mobile connections (56-57% population); 64% 3G/4G/5G favors mobile-first apps and USSD. - Banking Limits
Low inclusion means reliance on cash-to-wallet agents over cards.
Social and Cultural Influences on iGaming
- Poverty Drivers
OLUCOME ties youth betting to unemployment and hunger; small wins fuel addiction cycles. - Media Normalization
Influencers/musicians promote betting as easy money, enabling underage access despite bans. - Regulatory Stance
2023–2035 strategy limits venues near poor areas/schools; blends traditional/informal gambling with regulated.
Opportunities & Challenges
The current regulatory landscape prevents operators from conducting business legally. A timeline for the GRA is unclear, given the enormous difficulties associated with poverty, corruption, and political instability hindering current market growth. In addition to regulatory headwinds, there are also significant operational challenges; some of these include low affordability for individuals to gamble, high risk of enforcement action against operators that are unlicensed, and a lack of credible data on the number of potential consumers that would use mobile payments for gambling.
Innovative areas of investment exist, including developing localized mobile payments and products to help prevent gambling addiction, but ethnic conflict and reliance on foreign aid constitute risks to potential investments.
Conclusion & Recommendations
The gaming industry in Burundi is regulated by the government through LONA (L’Autorité de Régulation des Jeux d’Argent), and while there are challenges with growth potential and problems with international competition, Burundian Operators can find success through partnerships with LONA and a focus on developing low-stakes games and products designed for mobile devices that conform to GRA rules as they develop. The long-term outlook is positive due to LONA’s commitment to legalizing an online gaming market, and if the GRA provides structured licensing to operators in Burundi, growth would likely occur in a manner reminiscent of the rapid development and growth of similar markets in Africa.
Data and Sources:
- Loterie Nationale du Burundi (LONA): Overview of LONA’s functions as regulator and operator;
- Casino.zone: Loterie Nationale du Burundi: Description of LONA as Burundi’s gambling regulator;
- GamblingTalk: Burundi moves toward gambling regulation: Summary of the 2023–2035 strategy;
- African Gambit: Burundi Lottery Agency transitions to full gambling regulator;
- Bankable Africa: DRC modernizes gambling sector;
- DataReportal: Provides core digital and telecom metrics for Burundi.
- Mordor Intelligence: Burundi Telecom MNO Market: Insights on mobile‑money penetration;
- BreakingBurundi: Gambling on Hope: How Poverty Fuels Betting Addiction Among Burundian Youth;
- Delasport: Expanding online Betting in Africa;
- Altenar: Legal Sports Betting in Africa: Top Markets & Key Insights.
