Gambling and online casinos in Benin

Benin is one of the most stable and economically open countries in West Africa, where gambling is officially permitted and regulated.

Licensed casinos, lotteries, betting companies and online platforms operate here, and the state is actively developing a legal framework to attract foreign investors.

Benin's gambling industry is an example of balanced regulation, where strict government controls and favorable business conditions are combined.

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Historical context

Gambling began to develop in Benin in the 1980s, during a period of economic liberalization and expansion of the tourism sector.

The first major casino - Casino de Cotonou - was opened in 1991, and in 1993 the government established the Loterie Nationale du Bénin (LNB) -

state lottery and betting operator.

Since the 2000s, gambling has received a new impetus:

• African and European investors came to the country, private betting networks and online operators appeared.

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Legislation and regulation

Gambling is regulated by Loi N ° 2002-15 "Sur l'Organisation des Jeux et Paris au Bénin," as well as a number of regulations of the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

The regulator is the Autorité de Régulation des Jeux et de Paris (ARJP), created in 2015 to oversee all forms of gambling.

Main provisions of the legislation:

• gambling is permitted for persons over the age of 18;
• licenses are issued for a period of 5 years with the possibility of extension;
• taxation - 10-25% of the operator's gross income;
• both terrestrial and online operators are allowed;
• control is carried out jointly with the tax service and LNB.

Licenses are issued to both local and foreign companies, subject to registration of a representative office in Benin.

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Legal forms of gambling

All major gambling activities are allowed in the country:

• casinos and gaming parlors;
• sports betting (land and online);
• lotteries and instant draws;
• poker and virtual games.

Main market participants:

• The Loterie Nationale du Bénin (LNB) is the national lottery;
• Bet9ja Bénin, Premier Bet, 1xBet, BetWinner - private bookmakers;
• Casino de Cotonou is the largest casino in the country.

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Casino and offline gambling

Land gambling in Benin plays an important role in the tourism industry.

Major casinos are concentrated in Cotonou and Porto Novo.

The main establishments are:

• Casino de Cotonou is the industry's flagship with roulette, poker and blackjack lounges;
• The Eldorado Club is a private casino popular with local gamblers;
• Atlantic Gaming Lounge is a modern entertainment center with slot machines.

According to the West Africa Gaming Report 2024, the total revenue of Benin's offline casinos is about $35 million per year, and tax revenues are $5-6 million.

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Online gambling

Online gambling in Benin has been officially allowed since 2017 after the adoption of amendments to the gambling law.

The regulator (ARJP) issues digital licenses that allow operators to work via the Internet, subject to local registration.

Popular platforms:

• 1xBet Bénin, BetWinner Africa, Bet9ja Bénin;
• Premier Bet Online, BC. Game, Stake. com;
• LNB Digital is the official website of the National Lottery.

Online gambling in the country is actively developing thanks to access to mobile Internet and fintech payments.

According to Africa iGaming Insights 2024, the number of online players has exceeded 600,000, and the market has reached $50 million in annual turnover.

Ways to pay:

• MTN Mobile Money, Moov Money - mobile wallets;
• Visa / MasterCard, Ecobank;
• cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, USDT, Tron) - through offshore platforms.

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Economic importance

Benin's gambling industry has become a notable source of revenue:

• annually brings up to 1.2% of the country's GDP;
• creates more than 4,000 jobs;
• supports sports and culture (through LNB sponsorship programs).

In 2024, the Benin government launched a program

"Gaming for Growth," aimed at developing responsible gambling and digitalizing the sector.

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Cultural and religious context

Benin has religious diversity:

• about 45% Christian, 30% Muslim, and 25% adherent to traditional beliefs.
• This diversity makes gambling moderately tolerant.

Gambling is perceived as entertainment and part of urban culture, especially among young people and the middle class.

The National Lottery LNB actively promotes the idea of ​ ​ responsible play under the slogan:

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Prospects

Benin aims to become a regional hub for licensing and digital gambling in francophone Africa.

By 2030, the government plans to:

• implement an electronic licensing platform;
• develop an iGaming zone in Cotonou for international operators;
• stimulate the use of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies in gambling.

According to forecasts of the Gaming Africa Index 2030, the gambling market in Benin may exceed $150 million, of which more than 65% will be in the online sector.

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Benin is a country with a thoughtful and balanced gambling regulation model.

Legal casinos, transparent licenses and digital innovations make it an attractive destination for investors and gamblers.