Gambling Laws in Burundi

The Burundian Penal Code 2008, in its revised and amended version from 2009 issued as the Burundi Penal Code 2009 makes all forms of gambling in Burundi illegal.

However, there are various additional decrees that allow for one sole exception from the general ban: the gambling games provided by the National Lottery which have to be organized for charity purposes. The Penal Code prescribes an exception which was later allowed to the National Lottery of Burundi (Loterie Nationale du Burundi-LONA) to have a monopoly for exploitation of gambling games in the country and offer its products on the market.

So far, however, they only provide land-based lotto and casino games in Burundi. As there are currently no specific online gambling laws in Burundi, it is generally considered that online gambling in Burundi falls under the prohibition of the Penal Code 2009. According to Burundian gambling laws, minors, under 18 years of age are prohibited to participate in any gambling activities.

Is Online Gambling Legal in Burundi?

With exception of the land-based casino and lotto games organized by the National Lottery, all other forms of land-based gambling and online gambling are illegal in Burundi.

Online Casinos in Burundi

The Lydia Ludique Burundi is only one casino in Burundi, which includes several low money slot machines. In accordance with the law its aim is to support the local community with the profits. It also opened more than 200 jobs with the establishment of its premises.

This is the first casino established in Burundi and is jointly owned by the National Lottery of Burundi and the French businessman Jacques Renard. Beside this land-based casino, there are still no online casinos in Burundi. Online gambling in the country is in general considered to fall within the prohibition of gambling coming from the Burundian Penal Code, so no Burundian online casino licenses have been on the offer. Foreign internet casino sites are not blocked from accessing the Burundian market.

Online Poker in Burundi

Online poker sites in Burundi are not legal, as of May 2019. As there are no specific Burundian online poker laws, no Burundian online poker licenses have been on the offer. It is in general considered that online poker also falls within the prohibition of gambling coming from the Burundian Penal Code. Foreign online poker sites, are, however, not blocked from accessing the market in Burundi.

Online lottery in Burundi

The National Lottery of Burundi (Loterie Nationale du Burundi -LONA) is the official provider of lotto games in the country. It’s monopoly on the Burundian market was further strengthen with the additional decrees which guarantee its position as a sole provider of gambling games in general in Burundi. Online lottery in Burundi, however, is still not an option. Foreign online lotto sites are also not being blocked from accessing the Burundian market.

Online bingo in Burundi

Similar as in cases with the other gambling sites, there are also no online bingo sites in Burundi. Since there are no specific Burundian online bingo laws, there were no any offers for licenses regarding online bingo by the respective authorities, as of May 2019. It is in general considered that online bingo also falls within the prohibition of gambling coming from the Burundian Penal Code. Foreign online bingo sites are not blocked from accessing the Burundian market.

Online sports betting in Burundi

There is no legal land-based betting in Burundi as of May 2019. There are also no licensed online sportsbook sites in Burundi. As there are no specific laws on online betting in the country, no licenses for online betting providers have been granted so far. There are, however, plenty of foreign internet sportsbook sites which target Burundian players most of them coming from South Africa.

Online daily fantasy sports in Burundi

Online DFS sites in Burundi do not have a legally regulated status. Considering the prohibited status of online sports betting in the country, it is very probable that internet Daily Fantasy Sports would not receive soon a legal status in Burundi.

About Post Author

Iwo Bulski

Issues related to the gambling business is engaged in more than 30 years. My empirical experience gives me the opportunity to present events and companies from this business with full knowledge and industry knowledge.

See author's posts

Iwo Bulski

Issues related to the gambling business is engaged in more than 30 years. My empirical experience gives me the opportunity to present events and companies from this business with full knowledge and industry knowledge.