Congo-Brazzaville publishes new law to regulate gambling and betting activities

On December 12, 2024, the official journal of the Republic of Congo published Law No. 37-2024, which regulates gambling and betting activities within the country. This new legislation was deliberated and adopted by both the National Assembly and the Senate before being promulgated by the President of the Republic.

Key Provisions of the Law:

General Provisions

The law applies to the creation, establishment, regulation, and taxation of gambling activities. The gambling sector will be overseen by the ministry responsible for gambling, ensuring state control to maintain public order. The ministry is also tasked with developing public policy regarding gambling in collaboration with relevant ministries.

Licensing Conditions

The law outlines specific categories for granting licenses for physical and online gambling operations. These include:

• Category I: Sports betting (physical and online), casinos, and virtual games.
• Category II: Horse racing, lotteries, and physical and online scratch games.
• Category III: Physical casinos.
• Category IV: Virtual games and slot machines.

Operating Authorization

The law stipulates that online gaming offers must adhere to the same conditions as physical gaming operators.

Establishment Conditions

Casinos must be located in appropriate venues such as luxury hotels or designated gaming areas and cannot be situated near hospitals, schools, or military barracks. Establishments dedicated to sports betting must be publicly accessible.

Gaming Regulations

The law establishes four regulatory frameworks for gambling activities:

1. Public monopoly.
2. Licensing regime.
3. Operating authorization regime.
4. Special authorization regime.

Exclusive Rights

The national company responsible for gambling holds exclusive rights to offer horse racing bets, lotteries, and scratch games.

Taxation on Gambling

The law specifies that tax rates on gambling activities will be determined by the finance law, with progressive rates based on gross gaming revenue. Online gaming operators will face higher tax rates compared to other forms of gambling.

Offenses and Penalties

The law includes provisions for penalties related to violations of its articles, emphasizing strict compliance among operators in the gambling sector.