Betting and gambling activities have a long history in Burkina Faso, with traditional games of chance and betting on cultural events being common across the country. In recent decades, modern sports betting, lottery games, and casino-style gambling have grown in popularity, particularly in urban areas.
The Burkinabé government legalized and started regulating gambling activities in 1996 with the passage of Law No. 024-96/AN. This law established a licensing and oversight framework for gambling operators under the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Security.
Since then, the gambling industry in Burkina Faso has gradually grown, with a mixture of locally-owned businesses and international operators. Sports betting is the most widespread type of gambling, but lotteries, poker, roulette and other casino-style games are also popular.
While cultural attitudes towards gambling vary across different groups, it has become an accepted pastime for many Burkinabés. The government continues to update regulations and monitor the industry to mitigate problem gambling and ensure consumer protection.
Overall, betting and gambling occupy a small but steady niche within the nation’s economy and leisure sector. This provides entertainment options for consumers while also generating tax revenue for the government. Understanding the framework around these activities can help individuals engage responsibly and legally with the industry.
Legality of Online Sports Betting in Burkina Faso
Online sports betting is legal in Burkina Faso and regulated by the government. There are a few key points regarding the legality of this activity:
- The current laws do not explicitly prohibit or ban online sports betting. As a result, many international bookmakers operate legally in the country.
- However, the regulatory framework is oriented more towards land-based gambling. There are no specific licensing procedures for online operators.
- Foreign operators must register a local company entity to offer betting services legally. This involves incorporating under Burkinabé commercial law.
- The government can order ISPs to block access to unlicensed gambling sites under the 1996 gambling law. However, few blocks are actually implemented currently.
- Taxes apply to the gross gaming revenue of operators at a rate of 15%. However, enforcement of tax rules is also oriented towards land-based businesses.
Regulatory Framework: The Burkinabé Gaming and Betting Control Commission (GBCC)
The main regulatory body for gambling activities in Burkina Faso is the Burkinabé Gaming and Betting Control Commission (GBCC). This agency was established within the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Security to oversee any companies and individuals involved in the gambling sector.
The GBCC has a range of responsibilities and powers when it comes to the regulation of betting and gambling, including:
| Responsibilities | Powers |
| Reviewing applications and issuing operating licenses | Inspecting gambling facilities and auditing companies |
| Verifying the integrity of games, draws and betting outcomes | Investigating violations and imposing penalties |
| Combating problem gambling and protecting vulnerable groups | Blocking illegal gambling websites |
| Setting responsible gambling standards | Revoking licenses for non-compliance |
| Collecting licensing fees and gambling tax revenue | Prosecuting unlicensed operators |
Diversity of Betting Options in Burkina Faso
There is a diverse range of betting and gambling options available to consumers in Burkina Faso. While unreliable estimates suggest the industry is worth $150 million annually, sports betting likely makes up the largest portion. Some of the main betting categories include:
- Sports Betting – By far the most popular format, covering international sports like soccer, basketball and boxing, along with some domestic events. Online and land-based bookmakers facilitate stakes on match outcomes, handicaps, props etc.
- Lotteries – National lottery drawings are held periodically, allowing citizens to purchase tickets through authorized retailers around the country.
- Horse Racing – There is a central racetrack in Ouagadougou and several regional tracks that host regular race meetings for betting.
- Casino Games – Mostly available at licensed casinos in major cities, but some online versions exist. Games include roulette, blackjack, poker, slots and specialty local options.
- Cultural Betting – Placing informal wages on cultural events like music festivals, dance performances and ceremonial rituals still occurs in rural regions.
Licensing Requirements for Online Gambling Operators
While online sports betting exists in a legal gray area as discussed previously, if updated regulations emerge, licensing requirements would likely involve:
- Company Incorporation – Operators would need to register a local corporate entity under Burkinabé commercial law. This brings the business officially under local jurisdiction.
- License Application – The company would then apply for an online gambling license through the Burkinabé Gaming and Betting Control Commission (GBCC). An application form and vetting process screens unsuitable candidates.
- Responsible Gambling Plans – Operators may need to submit policies, tools and controls they implement to promote responsible gambling among customers. This ensures consumer protection.
- Technical Compliance – Online sites and apps may require security audits and meet cyber-security standards set by the licensing body to gain approval.
- Licensing Fees – Annual licensing fees based on company revenue or profits help fund the regulatory body. Fees for online gambling may be set higher due to increased risks.
- Tax Obligations – Licensed operators would fall under tax rules requiring them to pay 15% of GGR. Accurate reporting and payment systems would need audit trails.
Taxation on Online Gambling in Burkina Faso
Tax policies are oriented around land-based gambling currently. However, if regulated, taxation requirements for online betting and gambling operators could potentially involve:
- Gross Gaming Revenue Tax – This would likely be set at 15% of GGR, aligning with brick-and-mortar casinos and betting shops. This applies to total wagers minus payouts and bonuses.
- Consumption Tax – Additional sales tax may apply to the services sold to consumers. This ranges from 18-27% for various goods and services in the country.
- Corporation Tax – If operators establish local corporate entities, they would pay corporate income tax. Rates are 27.5% on net profits.
- Withholding Taxes – Various withholding taxes apply to repatriated profits, services, rents, royalties, etc. sent internationally. Online operators would need to comply.
- Reporting Obligations – Strict reporting and accounting transparency would be mandated to assess taxes accurately. Software systems would need audit trails.
Age and Responsible Gambling Regulations in Burkina Faso
There are a few existing measures aiming to protect young people and promote responsible gambling in Burkina Faso:
| Regulation | Description |
| Legal Age | 18 is the minimum legal age to participate in any gambling activities – both online or land-based. |
| Age Verification | Operators should use ID checks and other methods to verify customers are over 18 years old. |
| Advertising Restrictions | Certain advertising limitations protect minors – gambling ads cannot appear in youth-oriented media. |
| Problem Gambling Education | Regulators spread information on risks of compulsive gambling and where to seek help. |
| Self-Exclusion Options | Some operators provide self-exclusion tools for problem gamblers to voluntarily block themselves. |
Government Oversight of Gambling: Directorate General of Administrative Laws and Regulations
While the Burkinabé Gaming and Betting Control Commission (GBCC) directly regulates the gambling industry, it operates under the legal frameworks defined by the Directorate General of Administrative Laws and Regulations. This body, part of the Ministry of Commerce, Crafts and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, oversees defining gambling legislation itself. Some of its key functions include:
- Drafting laws and statutes related to gambling regulation and oversight
- Reviewing and updating legal codes to align with emerging technologies, channels and responsible gambling standards
- Advising various government stakeholders on policy reforms needed in the gambling space
- Conducting impact assessments of new and amended gambling laws
- Monitoring enforcement activities by the GBCC and other agencies
Current Legal Status of Online Betting Apps and Sites
As mentioned, the current legal status of online betting and gambling is undefined:
- No explicit allowances for licensing and regulating internet operators
- But also no clear bans prohibiting foreign companies from offering internet betting
This gray area allows numerous online bookmakers and casinos to operate in the country without oversight. Some of the most used include:
- Betway – International sports betting site with bonuses and live streams
- 22Bet – Features online sportsbook and casino product for African markets
- 1xBet – Russian-owned bookmaker providing mobile apps to bet on sports
- Betika – Kenya-based operator focused on football betting and jackpots
- Premier Bet – Locally-owned sports betting start-up with kiosk and mobile presence
- 1win BF – Popular site for sports and eSports betting. Offers competitive odds and range of markets.
Popular Licensed Betting Operators in Burkina Faso
While online operators remain unregulated, a few licensed land-based gambling companies cater to local demand under GBCC rules. These physical outlets demonstrate compliance standards any future online licensees may face:
- Faso Games – Casino with slot machines, tables and sportsbook in Bobo-Dioulasso. Owned by Burkinabé entrepreneur.
- Winyini – Smaller casino and betting shop chain with multiple locations in Ouagadougou. Offers sports and virtual games. Part of Pan-African gaming group.
- PMU Burkina – Retailer focused on horse race betting with shops across the country. Has partnerships with domestic racetracks.Managed by French parent company.
- Loto Burkina – Runs lottery draws and scratch cards through networks of independent street retailers. State-affiliated company.