The Democratic Republic of Congo's Ministry of Finance has reiterated its exclusive authority to regulate the country's gambling sector.
In a press release issued on August 27, the Ministry reminded gambling operators that the transfer of regulatory oversight from the Ministry of Sports and Leisure to the Ministry of Finance is formalized under Ordinance No. 25/293. This shift, according to the Ministry of Finance, has eliminated any uncertainty regarding which entity oversees the gambling industry in the DRC.
“The Ministry of Finance reaffirms its determination to drive the reform of the gambling and games of chance sector in accordance with government directives, while upholding legal certainty for operators, transparency in activities, and the protection of the Public Treasury's interests,” stated the release, which was signed by Alain Malata Kafunda, chief of staff to the finance minister.
The Ministry further cautioned operators against responding to payment requests from unofficial departments, urging immediate reporting of such instances to the Ministry of Finance and the Directorate General of Administrative, Judicial, State Property and Equity Revenues (DGRAD). DGRAD has been tasked with recognizing and voiding any payment notices that were issued irregularly. The Ministry of Finance emphasized that any unauthorized approval, authorization, or payment notice lacks legal standing, though operators remain obligated to meet their responsibilities to the DRC's Public Treasury.
Despite its strong potential as a gambling market, largely due to its population exceeding 100 million, tax collection in the DRC remains problematic. Last year, Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba estimated that iGaming operators generated approximately $1.7 billion in revenue yet contributed only around $1 million in taxes.
A CEO from a leading local operator remarked on the tax system, explaining that it predominantly operates on declarations made by the operators. “Operators do pay, yes, but they pay whatever suits them,” the CEO said. “In other words, we effectively pay what benefits us. All the while, the state has no means of monitoring its regulatory policies.”
In response to these challenges, the Ministry of Finance announced earlier this year the development of a new gambling monitoring platform aimed at strengthening oversight of the sector. Additionally, the government is crafting a new legal framework for the gambling industry intended to modernize existing regulations and enhance tax collection oversight.
