DRC Finance Ministry Issues Tax Warning, Reasserts Sole Authority on Gambling Regulation

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ministry of Finance has issued a firm reminder to gambling operators that only its services hold the authority to regulate and collect taxes in the sector.

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In a communiqué dated August 27, 2026, the ministry stressed that casinos, sports betting companies, lotteries, and similar operators must register directly with its offices and comply with existing laws.

It warned that any authorization, tax note, or control measure issued by another body has no legal effect and does not release operators from obligations to the Treasury.

The communiqué highlighted that reforms adopted in April 2025 placed gambling regulation under the Ministry of Finance, ending previous overlaps with the Ministry of Sports and Leisure. An ordinance issued in December 2025 also formally transferred responsibilities, including operator registration and oversight, to the Finance Ministry.

In addition, the 2023 Finance Law shifted key taxes, such as authorization fees and ad valorem taxes on player winnings, into the ministry’s domain.

DGRAD tasked with enforcing compliance with the CSJA to support

Operators are required to identify themselves with the ministry, obtain proper authorizations, and meet their tax obligations through legally designated services. The communiqué made clear that any irregular notes of perception or unauthorized demands for payment must be ignored and reported.

The Directorate General of Administrative, Judicial, State Property and Participation Revenues (DGRAD) has been tasked with enforcing compliance, including canceling irregular documents and forwarding cases for administrative, disciplinary, or criminal sanctions.

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The ministry has also called on operators to avoid engaging with unauthorized services to protect themselves from legal and financial risks.

It then went on to reaffirm its commitment to reforming the gambling sector under the guidance of the President and the Council of Ministers, stressing that reforms are aimed at protecting players, ensuring transparency, fighting illicit practices, and strengthening public revenue collection. 

Supporting this effort is the Gambling and Games of Chance Monitoring Unit (CSJA), created in January 2026 as the ministry’s technical arm. 

The CSJA handles accreditation requests, monitors compliance, and contributes to revenue mobilization. Since its launch, the ministry has announced plans to release a national platform for monitoring gambling in the country.

In July, it also set August 30, 2026, as the end of the pilot phase of reform, warning that operators who failed to begin compliance by the July 31 deadline could face sanctions under existing laws.

By reaffirming its sole authority, the Ministry of Finance has made clear that the gambling sector must align fully with its directives, ensuring that regulation and taxation remain centralized and legally binding.

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