Gambling and online casinos in the Central African Republic

Central African Republic (CAR) is a country with a limited but growing economy, where gambling is officially allowed, although the market is still in its infancy.

The government seeks to attract investment in the entertainment sector, as well as legalize online gambling as part of a digital development strategy.

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Historical context

Gambling appeared in the CAR in the 1970s, but for a long time remained an informal activity without clear regulation.

The first state casino was opened in the capital of Bangui in the 1990s, however, due to political instability and economic difficulties, the industry was not widely developed.

Since the early 2010s, the government has again turned to the idea of ​ ​ creating a licensed gambling system focused on tourism, hospitality and domestic demand.

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Legislation and regulation

Gambling is regulated by law Loi n ° 04/2004 relative à l'exploitation des jeux de hasard et de paris, and control is exercised by the Ministère des Finances et du Budget, through the department Direction Générale des Jeux et des Loteries (DGJL).

Main provisions of the legislation:

• gambling is allowed if licensed;
• the minimum age of players is 18 years;
• the license is valid for 3-5 years;
• taxes on the operator - from 10% to 20% of gross income;
• online gambling is allowed only with special permission from the Ministry of Finance;
• advertising without state registration is prohibited.

From 2022, the CAR will introduce a digital platform for accounting for licenses, and also plans to update legislation for online formats.

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Legal forms of gambling

To date, the CAR is officially allowed:

• lotteries (public and private);
• betting odds;
• casinos and gaming clubs;
• virtual and online games (with a separate license).

The main state operator is

Loterie Nationale Centrafricaine (LONACA), which manages national draws and licenses private partners.

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Casino and offline gambling

There are few casinos in the country, but they are part of the hotel and tourism sector.

The main establishments are located in the capital - Bangui, where diplomatic missions and business hotels are concentrated.

Largest gaming establishments:

• Casino de Bangui is the oldest casino in the country, at the Ledger Plaza Bangui hotel, with board games and machines;
• Club Fortuna Bangui is a mid-level private gaming venue;
• Palace Game Lounge is a small club popular with local players.

The total turnover of offline gambling is estimated at $8-10 million per year, and tax revenues - about $1 million.

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Online gambling

Online gambling in the Central African Republic is in its early stages.

The first local platforms appeared in 2019-2020, and in 2022 the authorities allowed foreign operators operating under a joint license with LONACA.

Popular platforms:

• 1xBet CAR, Premier Bet RCA, BetWinner Africa;
• SportyBet Africa, Betika, Bet9ja Central Africa;
• Stake. com, BC. Game - crypto operators actively gaining an audience.

Payment methods:

• Orange Money RCA, Moov Money - local mobile services;
• Visa/MasterCard via Ecobank and UBA;
• cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, USDT, TON) are popular among young people and IT specialists.

According to Africa Digital Gaming 2024, there are about 80,000 active online players in the country, and the market size is approximately $15-18 million per year.

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Economic importance

The gambling industry in the CAR is still small, but it is becoming a new source of budget revenues and support for small businesses.

Key indicators (2024):

• market volume - $25 million;
• tax revenues - $2 million;
• contribution to GDP - 0.6%;
• employment - about 700 people.

The state directs part of the income from licenses for the development of sports and education, as well as for the digitalization of public services.

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Cultural and religious context

CAR is a country dominated by Christianity and Islamic communities, so attitudes towards gambling are moderately wary, especially in rural areas.

However, in cities, especially among young people, games and bets are perceived as entertainment and an opportunity for additional income.

The regulator promotes the idea of ​ ​ "responsible play" using the motto:

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Prospects

The CAR government plans by 2030:

• introduce a separate law on online gambling;
• establish a National Gambling Board;
• introduce an electronic licensing and tax accounting system;
• develop gambling tourism in Bangui and the recreational areas of the Ubangi River.

According to the forecast of Gaming Africa Index 2030, the gambling market in the Central African Republic may grow to $60 million, of which about 65% will be online gambling.

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The Central African Republic is taking its first but confident steps towards legal and regulated gambling.

The state seeks to create a transparent licensing system, attract private investment and stimulate the digital economy.