Online poker is illegal in Burundi under the country's restrictive gambling laws, which prohibit all forms of gambling except those operated by the state-owned National Lottery of Burundi (LONA). The 2008 Penal Code of Burundi declares all forms of gambling illegal, including lotteries, though paradoxically the country operates a national lottery (1). LONA holds a monopoly on gambling activities in the country and regulates all legal gambling operations, including the single land-based casino operated by Lydia Ludic.
The regulatory framework gives LONA exclusive control over all gambling activities, with no licenses issued for independent gambling operations. Poker is restricted to the licensed gambling establishments of Lydia Ludic, and there are no standalone poker clubs or halls permitted in the country (2). The government has granted limited permission to one online sportsbook, Rahisibet, to operate online gambling services, but this does not extend to poker platforms.
"All forms of gambling, including bingo, poker, and sports betting, are illegal except those operated by LONA. They also gave permission to an online sportsbook site, Rahisibet, to operate online gambling."
Despite the strict prohibitions, there are no reports of Burundian citizens being prosecuted for accessing foreign online poker sites, creating a practical gray area where enforcement is minimal. The legal status remains complex, with all gambling technically illegal under the penal code while LONA operates various gambling services. Online poker remains officially prohibited, with no legal framework for international operators to serve Burundian players, though the government's enforcement capabilities against offshore poker platforms appear limited.
Source:
https://e-playafrica.com/legislation/gaming-in-burundi/
https://lona.gov.bi/
Last updated: 27-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
