Online casino operations in Burundi exist within a complex legal framework where all forms of gambling are officially prohibited under the Burundian Penal Code 2008, with the sole exception of activities operated by the state-owned Loterie Nationale du Burundi (LONA) (1). The national gambling regulator has granted limited permissions to certain operators, including Rahisibet, an online sportsbook that also offers casino slots, making it the only authorized online gambling platform in the country (2).
LONA currently oversees the transformation of Burundi's gambling sector from a state monopoly into a regulated industry with multiple licensed operators. The organization is preparing to become the "Agence de Régulation des Jeux de Hasard au Burundi" (ARJH), a comprehensive gambling regulatory agency that will control and supervise all gaming activities nationwide (1). This transition involves integrating various gambling companies into a centralized platform to maximize revenue collection and ensure regulatory compliance across the sector.
"There are no laws in Burundi regulating online gambling, though it could be argued that the section of the penal code prohibiting gambling is applicable to its online forms as well."
The regulatory landscape for online casinos remains largely undefined, as current legislation does not specifically address internet-based gambling operations. While the Penal Code's gambling prohibition could theoretically extend to online activities, no Burundian citizens have been prosecuted for participating in online gambling, and foreign online casino operators continue to serve local players without explicit legal authorization (2). The ongoing regulatory transformation under LONA's supervision suggests that clearer online gambling legislation may emerge as part of the comprehensive gambling reform process.
Source:
https://lona.gov.bi/
https://e-playafrica.com/legislation/gaming-in-burundi/
Last updated: 18-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
