Gambling and online casinos in Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast (Ivory Coast) is one of the fastest growing countries in Africa in the field of gambling.

Here gambling is officially allowed and regulated by law, and the state considers gambling as an important element of the economy and tourism.

The country has become one of the centers of African online gambling, where legal casinos, sports betting and digital platforms operate under state control.

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Historical context

The gambling culture of Côte d'Ivoire began to take shape back in the 1970s, when the first casinos and lottery agencies for tourists and wealthy citizens opened in the capital Abidjan.

In 1989, the government created the Loterie Nationale de Côte d'Ivoire (LONACI) -

a national company that received a monopoly on lotteries and sports betting.

After the economic reforms of the 2000s, private operators came to the country, and with the development of the Internet, the era of online gambling began, which today provides millions of CFA francs in tax revenues annually.

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Legislation and regulation

Gambling is regulated by Law No. 2014-132 of March 24, 2014, as well as a number of regulations of the Ministry of Finance and Economy.

The main regulator is the Loterie Nationale de Côte d'Ivoire (LONACI), which:

• issues licenses for casinos, bookmakers and online platforms;
• monitors compliance with tax regulations and standards of integrity;
• controls advertising and player protection;
• manages state lotteries.

All operators are required to have a physical presence in the country and pay taxes in local currency (XOF).

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Legal forms of gambling

All major types of gambling are permitted in Côte d'Ivoire:

1. Casinos (land establishments);

2. Lotteries and instant games;

3. Sports betting (land and online);

4. Online casinos and virtual games.

Licensed destinations:

• LONACI - official lottery and betting operator;
• Private Gaming Operators (since 2017) - private casinos and online platforms under the control of LONACI.

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Casino and land gambling

Ivory Coast is one of the few African countries where casinos operate legally and target tourists and business audiences.

Largest casinos:

• Casino Barrière d'Abidjan - the country's flagship, part of the Barrière international chain;
• Casino du Sofitel Hôtel Ivoire is a prestigious casino at the legendary Sofitel Hotel;
• Golden Elephant Club is a modern entertainment casino in the Kokodi area.

According to African Gaming Observatory 2024, total casino revenue exceeded 30 billion CFA francs

(about $50 million), and tax revenues from the gambling sector - more than 5 billion CFA francs per year.

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Online gambling

Online gambling in Côte d'Ivoire is officially allowed and is actively developing under the control of LONACI.

Players have access to licensed local and international platforms.

Popular sites:

• lonaci. ci - official website of the national lottery and betting;
• Premier Bet Côte d’Ivoire;
• 1xBet CI, BetWinner CI, Bet365 Africa;
• Stake и BC. Game (via cryptocurrencies).

Online sports betting and slots are in great demand, especially among young people, and mobile applications allow betting around the clock.

Payment methods:

• Orange Money, MTN Mobile Money, Moov Money - the main payment methods;
• Visa / MasterCard;
• cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, USDT) on international sites.

According to West Africa iGaming Review 2024 statistics, online gambling in Côte d'Ivoire accounts for about 60% of the turnover of the entire market, and the number of active players exceeds 1.2 million.

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Economic importance

Gambling has become an important source of revenue for the country's budget.

According to the Ministry of Finance, in 2024 the sector brought the state more than $25 million in taxes and provided about 10,000 jobs.

Key effects:

• development of the tourism industry;
• digitalization of financial services;
• sports support (LONACI - sponsor of the Ivory Coast football team);
• growth of the domestic entertainment market.

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Cultural and religious context

Ivory Coast is a multi-ethnic and multi-faith country where Islam and Christianity coexist peacefully.

Religious leaders are calling for accountability but not demanding a ban on gambling.

Gambling is perceived as normal entertainment, and the state is actively promoting the idea

"play consciously, win honestly" (joue responsable, gagne loyalement).

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Development prospects

The authorities of Côte d'Ivoire are planning further digitalization and liberalization of the market.

By 2030, the government intends to:

• create a unified online register of operators;
• introduce electronic licenses;
• develop integration with African crypto payment systems;
• turn Abidjan into the hub of West Africa's iGaming.

According to forecasts of the Gaming Africa Index 2030, the country's gambling market could grow to $250 million annually, becoming one of the largest in the region.

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Ivory Coast is an example of a balanced and mature gambling system in Africa.

The state combines transparent regulation, digital innovation and support for responsible gambling.

Ivory Coast is well on its way to becoming the leading centre for licensed gambling in West Africa.