Online bingo in Burundi is prohibited under the 2008 Penal Code, which declares all forms of gambling, including lotteries, illegal (1). The only exception to this prohibition is gambling operated by LONA, the National Lottery Board of Burundi, which oversees the national lottery games, sports betting, and a single casino established in 2001 in Gitega (1). LONA does not issue licenses to other operators, and all other forms of gambling are marked illegal, with the organization taking down illegal casinos and seizing equipment as part of their enforcement duties (1).
The National Regulatory Authority (NRA) requires licenses for any gambling business operations in Burundi, with strict requirements including financial stability and implementation of anti-money laundering measures to conduct operations fairly and openly (1). LONA gave permission to one online sportsbook site, Rahisibet, to operate online gambling, which offers some selection of casino slots, and any other casino is not permitted (1). No laws explicitly regulate online gambling, but the Penal Code that prohibits gambling can be applied to online gambling activities as well (1).
"As of now, 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 legal prohibition, no Burundian citizens have been charged for online gambling participation, and no foreign online gambling sites have been blocked by authorities, allowing those with internet access to freely enter international gambling sites (1). The NRA issues licenses through a strict process, establishes rules and regulations, monitors the industry to ensure compliance, handles problems and complaints, and collects taxes and fees from operators (1). Online bingo remains technically illegal under the 2008 Penal Code unless explicitly authorized by LONA, though enforcement against individual players accessing international platforms has been minimal (1).
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-burundi/
https://e-playafrica.com/legislation/gaming-in-burundi/
Last updated: 30-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
