The future of the industry

Until 2030, the vector of industry development in Congo is "online first" around smartphones and mobile wallets.

Consolidation of rules is expected: uniform licensing requirements, KYC and AML/CFT, transparent tax regimes for rates and lotteries, as well as electronic reports of operators.

The growth of fintech infrastructure (Airtel Money, MTN Mobile Money) and tariffs for cheap Internet will push legal online bets, micro-live bets and casual products (fantasy sports, keno, instant games).

In the cities of Brazzaville and Poine Noire, offline points are transformed into "hybrid" hubs with the issuance of winnings and support for digital accounts.

Regulatory focus will shift to consumer protection: deposit limits, self-exclusion, advertising standards and age-based access checks.

To replenish the budget, the state will strengthen monitoring of GGR and the fight against "gray" online; compliant operators will benefit from trust and partnerships with local payment providers and sports individuals.

Promising niches are eSports betting, virtual sports and local football/basketball tournaments with deep line localization.

In the long term, the sustainability of the industry will depend on the quality of internet coverage, macroeconomics and the ability of operators to offer responsible, simple and inexpensive mobile products.