Gambling and online casinos in the Republic of Congo

The Republic of Congo is a country with a growing economy, developing tourism and sustainable financial flows, where gambling is a legal activity.

The state sees gambling as a source of tax revenue, investment and new jobs, and international operators are showing interest in Congo's digital and tourism potential.

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Historical context

Gambling appeared in the Congo during the French colonial rule.

After independence in 1960, the industry developed slowly until a wave of economic reforms began in the 1990s.

The first licensed casino - Casino Congo Palace - was opened in 1997 in Brazzaville.

Later, with the development of private business, lotteries and betting companies appeared, and in 2015 - the first online platforms adapted to the local market.

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Legislation and regulation

Gambling is regulated by Loi n ° 12/2000 relative aux jeux de hasard et paris and a number of decrees of the Ministry of Finance and Budget.

Main regulatory body -

Direction Générale des Jeux et Paris (DGJP), подчинённая Ministère de l’Économie et des Finances.

Main provisions of the legislation:

• gambling is allowed if licensed;
• the minimum age of a player is 18 years;
• the license is issued for 5 years and is subject to renewal;
• taxation - 10-25% of gross income (GGR);
• online gambling is allowed subject to local registration of the operator;
• operators are required to comply with responsible play standards.

Licensing is carried out centrally in Brazzaville, and part of the license revenue goes to the social development fund.

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Legal forms of gambling

All major gambling activities are permitted in Congo:

• casinos and gaming clubs;
• national and private lotteries;
• bookmakers (including online betting);
• poker, roulette, blackjack, machines;
• virtual and digital games.

The main state operator is

Loterie Nationale Congolaise (LONACO), which controls lotteries and interacts with private companies.

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Casino and offline gambling

Offline gambling in Congo is concentrated in the two largest cities - Brazzaville and Pointe Noire.

Casinos are aimed at tourists, businessmen and wealthy residents.

The main casinos in the country are:

• Casino Congo Palace (Brazzaville) is the oldest and largest casino in the country, offering board games, slots and a VIP lounge;
• Casino du Grand Hôtel de Kintele - a modern gaming complex at a five-star hotel;
• Casino du Palm Beach (Pointe Noire) - a casino overlooking the ocean, popular with foreign visitors;
• Club Royal Congo is an elite private hall in the center of the capital.

The total income of offline gambling is about $30-35 million per year, and taxes from operators bring the budget up to $5 million annually.

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Online gambling

Online gambling in the Republic of Congo is actively developing, although legislation in this area is still being improved.

In 2019, DGJP officially allowed electronic licensing for online operators, opening the market to international brands.

Popular platforms:

• 1xBet Congo, BetWinner CG, Premier Bet Congo;
• Betika Africa, SportyBet, Bet9ja Africa;
• Stake. com, BC. Game, TrustDice - crypto platforms.

Payment methods:

• Airtel Money, MTN Mobile Money - leading ways;
• BGFI Bank, Ecobank, UBA Congo - bank transfers;
• cryptocurrencies (BTC, USDT, Tron) - for international sites.

According to Gaming Africa Report 2024, there are more than 400,000 active online players in the country, and the market is estimated at about $45-50 million per year.

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Economic importance

Congo's gambling industry generates meaningful revenue for the budget and promotes tourism, technology and employment.

Key indicators (2024):

• market volume - $70 million;
• tax revenues - $8 million;
• contribution to GDP - 1.1%;
• employment - about 2,500 people.

Budget funds from licenses are used to finance sports, education and infrastructure projects.

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Cultural and religious context

Congo is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country where Christianity prevails, but traditional beliefs also persist.

Attitudes towards gambling in society are generally neutral.

In large cities, gambling is perceived as entertainment and part of urban culture, and in rural areas - as an exotic novelty.

State campaigns promote a responsible approach to the game, using the slogan:

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Prospects

By 2030, Congo's government plans to:

• implement a digital licensing and control system for online gambling;
• create a free gambling zone in Pointe Noire;
• encourage the use of fintech payments and blockchain technologies;
• develop gambling tourism as part of the "Congo Vision 2030" program.

According to the forecast of Gaming Africa Index 2030, the Congo gambling market may reach $120 million, of which more than 60% will be the online segment.

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The Republic of Congo is emerging as one of central Africa's key gambling hubs.

The legal base, openness to investment and growing digitalization create favorable conditions for operators and players.