Burkina Faso’s LONAB adopts new responsible gambling policy

Burkina Faso’s National Lottery has introduced a new responsible gambling policy built around stronger governance, safer product development and social responsibility, with particular emphasis on protecting minors and vulnerable people from gambling-related harm.

The Loterie Nationale Burkinabè (LONAB) has unveiled a new Responsible Gambling Policy aimed at creating a more transparent, ethical and protective gaming environment in Burkina Faso. Announced on August 13, the policy seeks to balance the lottery’s commercial performance with player protection and long-term value for the country.

Protection of minors and vulnerable people is a central element of the framework. LONAB reiterated that gambling is prohibited for people under 18 and said its responsible gambling approach should reduce the risks associated with excessive play while encouraging customers to treat gambling as entertainment rather than an activity without limits.

The policy is organised around three main commitments. The first concerns responsible governance, including integrity, accountability, staff training and compliance with regulatory requirements. The second requires gambling products and services to be designed, marketed and distributed in line with responsible gambling principles.

Under the product-related commitment, LONAB also intends to provide clearer information about game rules, chances of winning and the risks associated with excessive gambling. The emphasis on transparent communication is intended to give players a better understanding of the products they use rather than presenting gambling solely through its potential rewards.

The third pillar focuses on social responsibility. LONAB plans to strengthen prevention, information and public-awareness initiatives designed to reduce gambling-related risks and encourage more controlled behaviour among players. Its campaign message summarises the approach as: “Gambling should remain a pleasure; let us gamble responsibly.”

The initiative builds on a responsible gambling programme that LONAB has pursued for more than a decade. As a member of the World Lottery Association, the company says it began implementing WLA responsible-gaming principles in 2012 and obtained Level 1 and Level 2 certification in 2012 and 2015 respectively. Its established policy areas have included prevention of excessive gambling, protection of minors, transparent communications, support for people experiencing gambling problems and research into gambling-related impacts.

The newly announced policy therefore represents a strengthening and formalisation of an existing commitment rather than Burkina Faso’s first move into responsible gambling. Its practical significance will depend on how the principles are incorporated into product development, marketing, distribution and player-protection measures, but the framework places social safeguards more explicitly alongside LONAB’s commercial objectives.