Haiti creates an authority in charge of casinos, betting, and borlette banks

A new public institution, the National Authority for Games of Chance and Money (ANJHA), will regulate, control, and supervise games of chance throughout the territory. It will cover casinos, betting, lottery banks, and similar games. The decrees creating it were published in the official journal Le Moniteur on August 21, 2026. The Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) brought them to the public's attention through a notice dated October 5, 2026, according to Le Quotidien 509.

The DGI, the only entity authorized to collect

Both media outlets report that the General Directorate of Taxes (DGI) is the only administration authorized to receive sums owed by operators. This includes payments related to licenses and authorizations.

Rezo Nòdwès adds that every payment must be made to the DGI in exchange for a receipt. The Ministry asks operators not to pay anything outside of official channels.

The stated objectives

The decrees are part of the fight against money laundering, illicit financial circuits, and the financing of terrorism, both media outlets indicate. Rezo Nòdwès specifies that the notice was issued in Port-au-Prince. Still according to this outlet, the Ministry presents these texts as a sign of a desire to bring "more order, transparency, and security" to the sector. They are also intended to clarify the rules and better protect both those involved in the industry and the population.

What remains unclear

Le Quotidien 509 indicates that the Ministry wants to establish more organized surveillance and ensure compliance with the texts by operators.

Rezo Nòdwès notes that the notice says nothing about the composition of the ANJHA, the date it will begin operations, or the sanctions provided for in the event of non-compliance. According to this outlet, the Ministry promises to keep the public and operators regularly informed of the progress of the reform.