Burundi
Burundi Gambling Licensing: LONA and Market Restrictions
LONA’s official website describes a concession and licensing system for gambling operators in Burundi. It also reports suspended physical casinos and only potentially available online sports betting, so a general gambling licence must not be treated as blanket online permission.
Lottery · Land-based betting · Land-based casino
Last reviewed: 2 November 2026
Regulator
Loterie Nationale du Burundi (LONA)Company & local presence
LONA’s licensing guidance requires a legal entity registered in Burundi. Confirm the acceptable corporate form and premises requirements before incorporating.
Ownership requirements
The published conditions require management without a criminal record. No foreign-ownership percentage or mandatory local shareholding was verified; obtain written confirmation from LONA.
Required documents
- LONA expressly identifies a detailed business plan, Burundi registration, clean management criminal records and evidence of sufficient financial guarantees.
- Request the current application checklist and evidence required for GMS supervision and regular reporting.
Financial requirements
Fees
LONA says application and annual charges vary and that exact amounts are communicated during filing. Confirm the current amount with the regulator; the historical fee on its website is not presented here as a current tariff.
Capital
LONA requires evidence of the necessary capital but the verified guidance does not establish a current minimum. Confirm the current amount with the regulator.
Guarantees / bonds
Sufficient financial guarantees are an express eligibility condition. Confirm the current amount with the regulator and ask whether a bank guarantee, deposit or other security is required.
Application process
- Submit the application dossier directly to LONA; its published sequence is filing, business-plan/compliance/background review, inspection and interviews, then approval.
- Obtain written product-specific permission: the page describes online sports betting only as potential and says physical casinos are suspended pending a later GMS phase.
Planning to enter Burundi? Contact Octa88 to discuss the licensing route, documentation and market-entry plan.
Timelines
No definite decision deadline was verified. LONA describes fixed-term, renewable licences without a reliable product-specific term; request the proposed term, inspection schedule and renewal deadline in writing.
Official sources
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Requirements change; always confirm with the regulator or speak to our team.