Pierre BUYOYA took over the presidency on September 3, 1987, through a coup thus forming the Third Republic. If you are among the people who love sports betting and gambling especially in this East African nation then it is advisable to know the environment. In this blog, we will discover the history of gambling laws in Burundi and the current situation, as well as the main regulators, and the list of the best betting sites in Burundi. This guide will provide you with the information you need whether you are a new bettor or have been betting for years in Burundi.
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Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
Burundi Gambling Laws Then and Now
A Historical Overview
The history of gambling in Burundi starts from the early 2000s. At the beginning, every form of gambling was banned in the country according to the 2008 Penal Code. This ban was on lotteries, casinos, and sports betting. But, after some time the legislation expanded to include a national lottery as well as a single land based casino, which are quite important in the history of the country’s gambling.
Key Milestones
- 2001: The new Lydia Ludic Casino in Bujumbura is another addition.
- 2008: Out of the listed laws, the most significant one was the introduction of the Penal Code prohibiting all forms of gambling.
- 2015: Government has also proposed the expansion of the National Lottery Board (LONA)’s domain in sports betting.
Prohibited and Permitted Bets
This paper reveals that the legal framework governing gambling in Burundi is rather stringent. Although the national lottery and Lydia Ludic Casino are allowed, other forms of gambling for instance the online betting and the unauthorized land-based casinos are prohibited.
Summary of Prohibited Activities
- Gambling on the internet on unlicensed websites.
- Unauthorized land-based casinos.
- Any form of betting on sports not allowed by LONA.
Regulatory Authorities of Betting Sites in Burundi
The Analysis of Loterie Nationale du Burundi (LONA)
The regulation of gambling activities in Burundi is under the LONA body. It runs the national lottery and has a share in the Lydia Ludic Casino. Also, LONA has the responsibility of combating cases of unlawful gambling and ensuring that all the activities carried out are legal.
Key Responsibilities
- Overseeing national lottery operations.
- Supervising the only legal casino in Burundi as the only authorized legal gambling facility in the country.
- Disrupting and arresting people in unlawful gambling dens.
Licensing Guidelines and Costs
- Gambling business is regulated by the Ministry of Finance which issued the license for an individual to own a gambling facility in Burundi. A gambling license is $50,000 and it is valid for 15 years.
Taxation
- The tax system applies to gambling operators and the tax rate ranges from 2% to 5% of the gross gaming revenue. Also, they are required to make corporate tax payments of 30% of their total income.
Best Betting Sites in Burundi
Popular Platforms
Due to the restriction on betting sites that are local, there are few of them, but international platforms have been acclaimed by Burundian bettors. These include:
1. Dafabet
Dafabet
Offers a rich choice of sporting and other events: football, basketball, tennis etc. The interface of the website is simple and there are live casino games that make it more interesting. Dafabet also has different campaigns to make the users more satisfied with the services they offer.
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2. Melbet
Melbet
Features a wide variety of sports and events. Its mobile app enables the clients to place their bets and get updates on their mobile devices. Melbet has special offers and bonuses for its customers, which will be useful for new and regular users.
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3. 1xBet
1xBet
Best known for their comprehensive sports book and great odds. The platform also offers all types of bets such as live bets and virtual games. Good customer service and the availability of a mobile app also help the user to get assistance when and as required.
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Famous sporting events in Burundi
Celebrated Achievements
Sports have always been a strength for Burundi especially athletics and football. It has pride and recognition through the African Cup of Nations and the Olympic Games.
Notable Events
- 1996: Niyongabo Venuste emerged the winner in the 5000m sprint in the Atlanta Olympics and emerged the champion.
- 2016: Francine Niyonsaba gets a silver medal at the Rio Olympics in the 800m race.
Celebrated Sports Stars
National Heroes
- The country has some of the best sportsmen and women in the world who have performed exceptionally well in global competitions. Some of them are; Marathon runner, Francine Niyonsaba and Footballer, Saido Berahino.
Gambling Legislation in Neighboring Countries
Rwanda
- Gambling has been recently legalized in Rwanda and licensed casinos and sports betting are allowed. The industry is governed by Rwanda Gaming Board that helps in maintaining the fairness and legalities of the related operations. is a phenomenon that has led to the increasing interest in gambling activities.
Tanzania
- There is a clear law that governs the land-based as well as online gambling activities in Tanzania. The Gaming Board of Tanzania regulates the industry with very stringent policies to safeguard the genuine practice of the business. This has resulted in a strong gambling industry as more and more people from within and outside the country participate in gambling.
Democratic Republic
- In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the regulation of gambling is still rather weak and mostly pertains to state lotteries. Away from the big cities, gambling is largely uncontrolled. However, there is still keen interest especially in the urban areas which are somewhat regulated.
Conclusion
It is therefore important to read and comprehend the norms and guidelines on betting sites and gambling laws in Burundi. Ranging from the legal frameworks to the athletic icons who embody the country’s pride, this guide is a one-stop solution. If you want to dig deeper, then it will be best for you to register with any of the international betting sites mentioned in this article.
FAQ: Best Betting Sites in Burundi
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