The Democratic Republic of the Congo is situated in the Central region of Africa. It was granted independence on 30 June 1960 and it was to be known as the Republic of Congo. In 1997, the country was given the new name the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With the development of new online platforms, bettors from DR Congo have a lot of choices. This is a blog post which is seeking to provide information about the existing betting sites in DR Congo, the legal framework for gambling in DR Congo as well as the achievements in DR Congo sports.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
Understanding Gambling Laws in the DR of Congo
Gambling has been reported to have started in DR Congo from the early 20th century. Policies on gambling have not remained constant and have developed to the present day situation.
The Early Days
- 1927: The first legalised form of gambling was approved in DR Congo on the 17 August 1927 for the holding of lotteries. The following is the history of gambling in the country and this decree signified the beginning of the legal gambling.
- 2005: Other types of gambling were allowed in 2005. This extended the list of legal gambling services from lotteries only to casinos, sports betting, and other similar games.
- 2011: Online gambling was allowed starting 28 December 2011 after the issuance of the Ministerial Order No. 041/MJS/CAB/2100/2011. This order regulated online gambling and paved the way to the development of online betting sites.
The Functions of Gambling Authorities
There are several authorities that have the responsibility of regulating gambling operations in DR Congo in order to safeguard the members as well as the investors.
Key Regulatory Agencies
- Ministry of Finance: This ministry is charged with the function of granting of gambling licenses and general supervision of gambling in DR Congo.
- SONAL (Société Nationale de Loterie): It was set up on 4 July 1984 and currently enjoys a legal position in running the lottery games in the country. This is a state – private enterprise where the government has a 60% stake in the company while the private sector holds 40%.
- Ministry of Youth and Sports: This department is responsible for the determination of the rates of rights, taxes, and royalties that are charged on gambling activities as provided in the Interministerial Orders of 13th November 2019.
Gambling License of Betting Sites in DR Congo
To carry out gambling business in DR Congo it is necessary to acquire permissions and pay for them.
License Types and Fees
- Land-Based Casinos: Licensing for physical casinos is done by the Ministry of Finance and the operators require a license to operate. There is a annual fee that must be paid to renew the license each year.
- Online Gambling: The same applies to online gambling operators who must also be licensed by the Ministry of Finance. Mimicking the land-based casinos, there is an annual charge that is required to be paid.
- Taxation: The Gambling industry in DR Congo is taxed on their Gross Gaming Revenue where the current tax rate is at 20%.
Prohibited and Permitted Bets
In order to ensure reasonable and non-violent gambling, some types of bets are banned, while others are allowed in accordance with the certain rules.
Permitted Bets
- Casino Games: Such games as blackjack, roulette, and slot-pull machines are available to the players in legalized casinos.
- Sports Betting: Both the land based as well as the online sports betting are legal however only if conducted by the legal bookmakers.
- Lotteries: As for national lotteries, they are allowed and provided by SONAL, and the Congolese citizens take part in them actively.
Prohibited Bets
- Unlicensed Platforms: Gambling is prohibited in the sites that are not licensed by the relevant authorities for players. The provision of gambling services is only allowed by licensed operators only.
Guide on the Betting Sites in DR Congo
Currently, there are several well-known betting sites in DR Congo which give players a wide variety of choices and features to choose from.
Popular Betting Sites
Up To £130 + £5 Free Bets
Up To £100
Up To £120 + £30 Free Bets
Some of the Significant Events in DR Congo Sports
There are several conspicuous sports events which have taken place in DR Congo to date, and which have shaped the sport culture of the country.
Key Events
- African Cup of Nations Champions: The national football team nicknamed the Leopards, have been African champions in 1968 and 1974 in the African Cup of Nations. These are some of the achievements that the British pride themselves of to-date.
- World Cup Participation: The Leopards had their first appearance at the FIFA World Cup in the year 1974 making them the first sub-Saharan African team to do so.
- TP Mazembe’s Success: TP Mazembe football club which is one of the popular club in Africa was able to reach the FIFA Club World Cup finals in 2010, astep that had not been reached by any other African club.
Saluting DR Congo Sportsmen and Women
The DRC has also emerged as a country that produces great athletes who have done the country proud in different aspects of world sports.
Notable Athletes
- Dikembe Mutombo: A great defender, Mutombo is considered as one of the best defensive players to ever grace the NBA. He is also a philanthropist, that is, a person who donates his/her time and/or money to various causes.
- Yannick Bolasie: Bolasie is a professional football player for Everton in the English Premier League; the player is known for his speed, agility and technique.
- Ilunga Makabu: The WBC Cruiserweight Champion, Makabu is a famous boxer who has some of the most powerful punches and multiple world titles.
Gambling Laws in Neighboring Countries
To give a wider outlook, the following is a brief on the laws and regulatory bodies on gambling in three neighboring countries.
Uganda
- Gambling Regulation: This company is regulating by Lotteries and Gaming Act of 2016.
- Regulatory Body: National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board.
- Legal Activities: Gaming such as casinos, lotteries, and sports betting.
Rwanda
- Gambling Regulation: This business is regulated by the Law No. 58/2011 of 31 December 2011 on the regulation of gaming activities.
- Regulatory Body: Rwanda Gaming Board.
- Legal Activities: Gambling, lotteries and sports betting.
Tanzania
- Gambling Regulation: Operational permit from the Gaming Act of the year 2003.
- Regulatory Body: The following is the regulatory body that is responsible for the regulation of betting activities in Tanzania; Gaming Board of Tanzania.
- Legal Activities: Casinos, lotteries, and sports betting.
Conclusion
The current situation of betting sites in DR Congo offers promising prospects for both the native populace and foreigners. Having a history of greed in gambling, a favorable legal environment, and having a culture of sports, DR Congo is a country of interest for sports betting enthusiasts. Thus, learning about the legal aspects, searching for reliable platforms, and supporting the country’s sports teams, enthusiasts can have a good betting experience.
FAQ: Online Betting Sites in DR Congo
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