Gambling and online casinos in Togo

Togo is a small country in West Africa with a growing economy and an open stance on gambling.

Unlike some neighboring countries, gambling is completely legal here, and regulation is carried out at the state level.

The government sees gambling as a source of income, employment and tourism development, so the market is developing steadily and is gradually reaching the international level.

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Historical context

Gambling in Togo dates back to the colonial period, when French entrepreneurs opened the first private clubs and lotteries in Lomé.

After independence in 1960, the country inherited a French model of regulation that combined strict oversight and a tax system.

In the 1970s, the Loterie Nationale Togolaise (LONATO) was created -

national lottery operator, which became the basis for legal gambling.

Later, in the 1990s, the first casinos and bookmakers appeared, and in 2015 a new era began - the development of online gambling.

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Legislation and regulation

Gambling in Togo is governed by a number of laws, the main one being Loi n ° 2011-018 "Sur les Jeux de Hasard et de Pari."

The main regulator is the Ministère de l'Économie et des Finances, in whose structure the Direction des Jeux et des Loteries (DJL) operates.

Key provisions of the legislation:

• gambling is allowed for people over 18 years old;
• licenses are issued for a period of 5 years;
• taxes account for 10-20% of operators' gross revenue;
• online gambling requires separate permission from the ministry;
• all operators are required to report and comply with anti-addiction measures.

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Legal forms of gambling

All basic forms of gambling are allowed in Togo:

• casinos and gaming halls;
• sports betting (including online);
• national and private lotteries;
• virtual games and keno;
• poker and board games.

Main market participants:

• LONATO - state lottery;
• Premier Bet Togo, 1xBet, BetWinner - leading bookmakers;
• Casino du 2 Février is the largest casino in the country.

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Casino and land gambling

There are few casinos in Togo, but they work officially and are aimed at tourists.

The most famous establishments are:

• Casino du 2 Février (Lomé) - a historic casino in the building of the famous hotel "2 Février";
• Golden Casino Lomé is a modern casino with roulette, blackjack and slots;
• Monte Carlo Club is a private gaming venue for VIP customers.

The total income of land casinos is estimated at about $15-20 million per year, and part of the profits is directed to the development of sports and charity.

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Online gambling

Online gambling in Togo is developing rapidly.

Since 2018, the regulator has allowed local and foreign companies to provide online betting and casino services, subject to license and tax.

Popular sites:

• Premier Bet Togo
• 1xBet Togo
• BetWinner Africa
• BC. Game, Stake. com (via cryptocurrencies)
• Lonato Digital - National Lottery Online Platform

Payment methods:

• TMoney, Fluoz - mobile wallets;
• Visa / MasterCard;
• cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Tron, USDT);
• bank transfers through Ecobank and Orabank.

More than 70% of bets in the country are made through smartphones, and the younger generation is actively involved in online games, especially in football and e-sports betting.

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Economic importance

Gambling brings the state tens of millions of CFA francs annually.

In 2024, according to the West Africa Gaming Council, the total market was estimated at $50-60 million, of which 40% is online gambling.

The main benefits for the country are:

• growth in tax revenues;
• development of mobile payments and financial technologies;
• job creation (about 2,000 people employed in the sector);
• sports support (LONATO - sponsor of the national football team).

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Cultural and religious context

Togo is a country where Islam, Christianity and traditional beliefs coexist peacefully.

Religious organizations do not require a ban on gambling, but call for moderation and responsibility.

Gambling is perceived as a form of entertainment rather than a social threat.

Locals often participate in lotteries and sports betting, especially during the European Championships and the African Cup.

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Prospects

Togolese authorities set a goal to turn the country into a regional center for online gambling and fintech innovation.

The 2025-2030 plan includes:

• launch of electronic licenses for online operators;
• Implementation of a real-time transaction monitoring system
• stimulating investment in tourist casinos;
• development of esport-betting.

According to forecasts of the Gaming Africa Index 2030, the Togo gambling market could reach $120 million, and the online sector - more than 70% of the total turnover.

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Togo is an example of a country where gambling is legalized and regulated with balance.

The state combines strict control with openness to business, and gambling has become part of the modern economy.