Online poker in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is legal and regulated under the country's comprehensive gambling framework. Gambling, including online betting operations, is permitted and can freely be established in accordance with the decree organizing lottery from August 17, 1927, and subsequent regulatory orders (1). The legal foundation for poker and other gambling activities has been in place since 2005, allowing operators to establish various forms of gaming businesses including online poker platforms.
The regulatory oversight is managed by the Ministry of Sports and Leisure, which serves as the primary authority responsible for licensing and regulating gambling activities in the country (2). The law sets out a clear licensing framework for gambling and gaming, including licensing processes, criteria, submission requirements, licensing conditions and ongoing compliance requirements. The Ministry issues licenses to both land-based and online gambling operators, ensuring compliance with established gambling standards and regulations.
"The Ministry of Sports and Leisure announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding for a public-private partnership to modernize the oversight of the gambling and sports betting sector, a rapidly expanding field in the country."
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been modernizing its gambling sector to enhance revenue mobilization and improve regulatory oversight. Recent developments include partnerships to implement centralized digital monitoring systems that connect operators' platforms to transmit real-time reports to the Congolese state. This modernization effort demonstrates the government's commitment to maintaining a well-regulated gambling environment while supporting the growth of the online poker and betting industry within the country's legal framework.
Source:
https://cms.law/en/int/expert-guides/cms-expert-guide-to-gambling-laws-in-africa/democratic-republic-of-congo
https://bankable.africa/en/digital/2406-1350-drc-modernizes-gambling-sector-for-enhanced-revenue-mobilization
Last updated: 27-09-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
