TLDR DRC’s Ministry of Finance says it holds sole authority over gambling regulation and taxation. A communiqué dated August 27, 2026 told operators to register only through the ministry. Any tax note or authorization from another body has no legal effect, the ministry said. The 2023 Finance Law and a December 2025 ordinance moved gambling oversight to the ministry. DGRAD will enforce compliance, and the CSJA unit will handle accreditation and monitoring.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ministry of Finance issued a warning to gambling operators this week. It said only its offices have the legal power to regulate and collect taxes from the gambling sector.
The statement came in a communiqué dated August 27, 2026. It applies to casinos, sports betting companies, lotteries, and similar businesses operating in the country.
The ministry said these operators must register directly with its offices. It also said they must follow existing laws on taxes and licensing.
Any authorization, tax note, or control measure issued by another body carries no legal weight. The ministry said this type of document does not remove an operator’s duty to pay the Treasury.
Reforms Shift Oversight to Finance Ministry
The communiqué pointed to reforms adopted in April 2025. Those reforms placed gambling regulation fully under the Ministry of Finance.
This ended overlap with the Ministry of Sports and Leisure, which had previously shared some oversight duties. An ordinance issued in December 2025 formally transferred operator registration and oversight to the Finance Ministry.
The 2023 Finance Law also played a role. It moved key taxes, including authorization fees and taxes on player winnings, into the ministry’s control.
Operators must now identify themselves with the ministry and obtain proper authorization. They also must pay taxes only through legally designated services.
The ministry said any irregular payment