On July 3rd, 2026, at a press conference, Munson Jean, Commercial Director of the Haitian State Lottery (LEH) since 2022, presented the reforms undertaken to regain control of the gambling and games of chance sector.
Need for a modern games of chance law
Jean acknowledged the support of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Economy and Finance. According to him, modernizing the institution has become a national necessity in a sector characterized by informality, private influence, opaque networks, and a lack of oversight. He reiterated that the LEH's mission is not limited to the national lottery. It also encompasses the borlette (a type of French betting system), casinos, sports betting, online gaming, and digital platforms.
The Games of Chance Sector: A High-Risk Environment for Untraceable Money Laundering
In a context of insecurity and high cash circulation, this sector presents a risk of untraceable money laundering.
Jean also mentioned the pressure exerted on the institution by certain powerful private interests, which are seeking to influence the governance of the LEH to protect their market position. For the LEH, this situation confirms the urgent need to protect public regulation.
The SYLEH digital platform was presented as one of the pillars of the reform. Open to bar owners, it is intended to facilitate registration, regularization, operator monitoring, the collection of legal fees, and the control of activities. SYLEH is meant to help the State identify legitimate operators, combat illegal ones, and strengthen transparency.
The LEH also welcomed the decision by the competent authorities to put an end to the confusion that has persisted for years surrounding the National Association of Borlett Bar Owners (ANTB). Created to organize bar owners under the old system of cards and ledgers, the ANTB was never above the State nor superior to the LEH. Its limited mission could not become a general regulatory authority.
The message of July 3rd is clear : the era of parallel authorities, pressure tactics, and informal practices must end. The regulation of gambling and games of chance is now fully integrated into the legal framework of the Haitian state, through the LEH. With SYLEH, the regularization of gambling operators, and the support of the Government, the institution intends to restore order, transparency, and public authority to this sector.
