TLDR DRC opposition leader Delly Sesanga wants the 10% tax on player winnings scrapped. He argues the tax base should be Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), not winnings. Sesanga says heavy taxes on players could push bettors to illegal platforms. He questions whether the $1.6bn sector figure reflects deposits, stakes, or GGR. The dispute follows a separate fight over who regulates gambling in DRC.
Delly Sesanga, leader of the Envol political party in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has criticized the government’s approach to taxing gambling winnings. He made his position public in a statement on September 4, 2026.
Sesanga wants the government to drop the 10% tax that currently applies to player winnings. He believes the tax should instead target gambling operators directly.
“The state must tax the activity, not your earnings,” Sesanga said. He also called for stronger regulation, better identification of operators, and tougher action against illegal gambling businesses.
Why Sesanga Wants a GGR-Based Tax
Sesanga proposed using Gross Gaming Revenue, known locally as Produit Brut des Jeux, as the basis for taxation. This figure is the difference between total stakes collected and winnings paid out to players.
He explained his reasoning in simple terms. “A deposit is not income. A withdrawal is not a benefit. A movement of money is not necessarily a creation of wealth,” he said, according to local outlet MediaCongo.
Sesanga also warned that taxing winnings too heavily could have an unintended effect. He said bettors might turn to illegal, unregulated platforms instead of licensed ones.
According to a report from Ouragan, Sesanga does not think low tax revenue is only caused by weak tax rates. He pointed to other possible causes, including illegal operators, under-reporting, and fraud.
He also mentioned gaps in how rules are enforced and how money