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🇨🇮For operators · Tax, marketing & compliance
Côte d'Ivoire for operators: state monopoly
Côte d'Ivoire's online market is a state monopoly operated by LONACI and regulated by the ARJH. Private operators can only be licensed for land-based casinos. The 2026 Finance Law imposes a 3% effective turnover tax on tolerated offshore operators.
OverviewOverview built from public sources. An in-depth review of Côte d'Ivoire is available on request. Request it
Product by product
| Product | Status |
|---|---|
| Online betting · Online casino · Online poker | Limited |
| Lottery | Licensed |
Regulator and player protection in Côte d'Ivoire
Regulator
Autorité de Régulation des Jeux de Hasard (ARJH)
Application authority and enforcement body
Mandatory RG controls
No limit imposed on players
Deposit limits or reality checks the law requires operators to offer
Advertising stance
Limited
Whether you can run TV / sponsorship / paid-social campaigns
Licence Types in Côte d'Ivoire
2 licence types are listed for Côte d'Ivoire; each says who issues it and what it covers.
| Licence | Regulator | Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Lottery / PMU (LONACI) | Government | Statutory | |
| Casino Licence | Ministry of Finance | Variable |
Licensing model
Côte d'Ivoire operates a bifurcated model under Law No. 2020-480. The state grants an exclusive concession to the national lottery, LONACI, for all online games, sports betting, and lotteries. Private operators are excluded from this segment but can apply to the regulator, ARJH, for authorization to operate land-based casinos and slot machine halls.
Gambling tax: 7% of GGR
Detail
A 7% tax applies to the revenue of licensed gambling and sports betting operators. Additionally, the Finance Law for 2026 introduced a tax on foreign digital platforms, creating an effective 3% tax on turnover for offshore operators with annual sales of at least 50 million CFA francs.
Year-1 cost of operating in Côte d'Ivoire
Compliance costs are primarily relevant for land-based operators, as the online market is a state monopoly with no licensing path for private companies.
| Line item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Online Sports Betting Licence | State monopoly Source1 | Exclusively operated by Loterie Nationale de Côte d'Ivoire (LONACI). |
| Online Casino Licence | State monopoly Source1 | Exclusively operated by Loterie Nationale de Côte d'Ivoire (LONACI). |
| Land-Based Casino Licence Fee | no published fee schedule | Licences are granted via an authorization regime managed by the ARJH. Fee structures are not publicly available. |
| Slot Machine Hall Licence Fee | no published fee schedule | Authorizations are granted by the ARJH. Fee structures are not publicly available. |
| Licensed Operator Tax | 7% of revenue Source2 | Tax on revenue from gambling and sports betting activities. |
| Offshore Operator Tax | 3% of turnover (effective) Source3 | Applies to operators with annual sales over 50 million CFA francs. |
Year 1 estimate
Not applicable for new online entrants due to state monopoly.
Land-based casino costs cannot be estimated as the ARJH does not publish a fee schedule for its authorization process.
Which foreign licences Côte d'Ivoire accepts
All 8 foreign licences listed here are tolerated in Côte d'Ivoire.
ToleratedMalta (MGA)
MGA-licensed operators are accessible but operate outside the national legal framework.
United Kingdom (UKGC)
UKGC-licensed sites are accessible but hold no legal standing in Côte d'Ivoire.
Gibraltar (GRA) · Isle of Man (GSC) · Kahnawake (KGC) · Anjouan (AGB) · Alderney (AGCC)
Accessible, but not officially recognized.
Curaçao (CGB)
A significant number of offshore operators active in the market hold licences from Curaçao.
Bonus rules: welcome bonuses allowed
Inducement ads: Allowed
Bonus and promotion rules are not explicitly detailed in Ivorian law. The primary legislation, Law No. 2020-480, establishes a general framework for 'commercial communication' and penalties for non-compliance, but lacks specific rules for player incentives.
What the player can claim
- Welcome bonus
- Allowed
- VIP schemes
- Allowed
- Loyalty schemes
- Allowed
- Cashback
- Allowed
Bonus tools are permitted by convention, as practiced by the state monopoly LONACI, rather than through explicit legal provision.
What the operator can advertise
- Messages ads may not give
- Risk-Free
- Free Bet
- Penalties
1,000,000 to 10,000,000 XOF for non-compliant commercial communication under Article 40 of Law No. 2020-480.
No enforcement actions for bonus or advertising violations have been documented in the last 24 months. The regulator's focus is on combating unlicensed physical gambling operations.
Advertising: limited
Côte d'Ivoire operates a state-monopoly gambling landscape, with online sports betting and lotteries partially legal under LONACI's concession. Online casino operations are also partially legal, requiring specific ARJH authorization for private operators. This leads to a split in advertising rules where casino promotions often face higher scrutiny than sportsbook activities.
| Channel | Status | Vertical & Platform Split (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Google Search Ads | Licensed operators only | Google Ads allows gambling advertising in Côte d'Ivoire for certified advertisers, requiring per-country certification and proven compliance history. Online casino promotions typically face higher scrutiny than sportsbook activities under Google's real-money gambling policies.67 |
| App Store Publishing | Restricted | Split the two stores. APPLE: an ARJH-licensed operator can publish. Under Guideline 5.3 the app must come from the licensed entity, be free to download, carry an adult rating, prevent underage use and restrict access from unlicensed regions. GOOGLE PLAY: not available. Play permits real-money gambling apps only in the countries on its published country/region allowance list, and CÔTE D'IVOIRE IS NOT ON IT. A local licence does not create a Play route, because the country list is the gate. Android distribution therefore means a mobile web app or a direct download from your own domain. Re-check the list before planning, since Google adds countries periodically. Note that Play's approved African markets are limited to Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Tanzania.67 |
| Google/Apple App Store Ads | Restricted | Google Universal App Campaigns may promote gambling apps in Côte d'Ivoire if the app and ads comply with all applicable laws and meet local ad licensing requirements. Apple Search Ads similarly require strict adherence to local regulations and Apple's own guidelines, which keeps promotions to legally compliant categories and age-appropriate audiences.67 |
| Meta (FB/IG) | Restricted | Meta requires advertisers to obtain prior written permission to run gambling ads on Facebook and Instagram in Côte d'Ivoire, necessitating evidence of a valid ARJH license. While targeting age limits are strictly 18+, a second confirmable primary source detailing Meta's specific policy for CIV gambling advertising is not available in the verified list.8 |
| TV & Radio | Restricted | Gambling advertising on TV and Radio is restricted, with LONACI advertising being widespread while private operator advertising is more limited. Rules mandate responsible gambling messages, prohibit depicting gambling as a financial solution, and prevent targeting minors or vulnerable groups.89 |
| Sponsorships | Restricted | Gambling sponsorships, including jersey and stadium rights, are restricted and subject to overarching advertising regulations in Côte d'Ivoire. Private operator sponsorships face significant restrictions to prevent targeting minors and vulnerable populations, and to ensure responsible gambling messaging.89 |
| Digital OOH | Restricted | Digital Out-of-Home advertising is available through agencies like Alliance Media, but gambling ads are subject to strict controls on placement and timing. These controls prevent targeting minors and vulnerable groups, in line with ARJH's focus on youth protection.81011 |
Channel rules for Côte d'Ivoire reflect each platform's published policy and the sources numbered in each row (listed under Methodology & sources). Verify with the local regulator and your ad-platform account manager before launching.
How Côte d'Ivoire enforces against unlicensed operators
Côte d'Ivoire has significantly increased enforcement since 2025, focusing on solidifying the state's monopoly and cracking down on the grey market. Actions include physical asset destruction, website blocking, and the creation of new monitoring platforms and enforcement units.
- January 2026: A new 3% effective turnover tax on foreign digital platforms becomes effective, which signals intent to regulate the grey market.
- October 2025: The government approves a national digital platform to monitor all gambling transactions in real-time, which increases state oversight.
- October 2025: The regulator (ARJH) launches a nationwide crackdown, seizing and publicly destroying over 100 illegal slot machines.
Enforcement cases in Côte d'Ivoire: 5 recent
Material regulator actions, court rulings, and high-profile fines from 2016–2026 against operators serving Côte d'Ivoire. Each entry includes the technical failure and a one-line read-across for other operators in the market.
- April 2026
Government of Côte d'Ivoire / ARJH
Grey-MarketNew enforcement unit createdThe government established a specialized Monitoring, Control and Security Unit to support the gambling regulator (ARJH) with enhanced powers of investigation and enforcement.
Read-across: The creation of this unit signals a significant tightening of control over the entire gambling sector, and it increases the risk of detection and sanctions for any unlicensed activities.
- August 2025
Unnamed Illegal Operators
Grey-MarketConfiscation and destruction of assetsThe gambling regulator (ARJH) incinerated over 110 illegal slot machines and components as part of a nationwide crackdown on unlicensed land-based gambling.
Read-across: This shows a zero-tolerance policy towards unlicensed physical gambling operations and raises the operational risk for any company without proper authorization from the ARJH.
- March 2024
1XBET (Ludus)
Grey-MarketWebsite deactivatedThe national lottery and gambling operator, LONACI, ordered the deactivation of the 1XBET site due to a dispute and its operation in violation of LONACI's monopoly.
Read-across: This action is a strong warning to other offshore operators that the state is actively enforcing its monopoly and will block access to unauthorized sites.
- December 2023
Government of Côte d'Ivoire / LONACI
LicensingMonopoly reinforced by decreeA government decree was adopted to clarify and reinforce the state's monopoly, granting LONACI exclusive rights to organize and operate lotteries, sports betting, and virtual events.
Read-across: This decree solidifies the state-monopoly structure. It makes clear that private operators can only enter the market through agreements with LONACI, which significantly limits independent operations.
- May 2020
Government of Côte d'Ivoire
LicensingNew legal framework enactedLaw No. 2020-480 was enacted, establishing a new legal regime for all gambling, creating the regulatory authority (ARJH), and defining the dual system of state concession and prior authorization.
Read-across: This law fundamentally restructured the gambling market. It created a formal regulatory environment and set the stage for the later enforcement of the state's monopoly.
Market size: 0.12B USD (2025)
Gross gaming revenue in Côte d'Ivoire is approximately 120 million USD annually. The most popular form of gambling is Sports betting. Online gambling represents 60% of total GGR. A culturally distinctive product in this market is LONACI (lottery, PMU) and its online sportsbook brand, Sportcash..
Market breakdown by vertical
- Land-based0.012B USD10.0%
- Sports betting0.06B USD50.0%
- Casino0.006B USD5.0%
- Lottery0.042B USD35.0%
Source: iGB Africa Gaming Heatmap 2026. Splits: online-casino 5.0%, sports 50.0%, land-based 10.0%, lottery 35.0%.
GGR figure15
Licensed operators: ~2
As of 18 Jun 2026, approximately 2 operators hold an active licence in Côte d'Ivoire. Size your entry against this base before committing capital.
Notable licensed operators
- Visit site
Premier Bet
1xBet
Bet365
BetWinner
Traps operators hit in Côte d'Ivoire
Specific operational risks that have caught new entrants in this market. Each item is country-specific. Generic gambling-ops issues (KYC, RG tools) are not included unless they have a local twist.
Misunderstanding the State Monopoly
Online gambling is an exclusive state monopoly granted to LONACI. Private operators cannot apply for or receive online sports betting or casino licences from the regulator (ARJH). Any market entry must be via partnership with LONACI.
Ignoring the New Offshore Operator Tax
The 2026 Finance Law introduced an effective 3% turnover tax on foreign digital platforms, including gambling sites, with annual sales over 50 million CFA francs. Failure to comply could lead to future enforcement action.
Underestimating Land-Based Enforcement
The ARJH is actively cracking down on unlicensed land-based gambling, including seizing and destroying illegal slot machines. Operating any physical gambling equipment without explicit ARJH authorization carries significant risk of asset seizure and other penalties.
Timeline: rules in force
- January 2026
Offshore Operator Tax Takes Effect
The 2026 Finance Law imposed a new tax on foreign digital platforms, which created an effective 3% turnover tax for offshore gambling sites with significant Ivorian sales.
Source: 3
- October 2025
Crackdown on Illegal Slots Launched
The regulator, ARJH, began a high-profile enforcement campaign to seize and publicly destroy unlicensed slot machines across the country.
Source: 18
- October 2025
National Monitoring Platform Approved
The government approved a centralized digital platform to monitor all regulated gambling transactions in real-time, which strengthens compliance and state control.
Source: 19
- May 2020
New Gambling Framework Enacted
Law No. 2020-480 replaced the outdated 1970 law, establishing the ARJH as the regulator and creating the dual system with a state monopoly for online gambling.
Source: 1
Operator myths vs reality in Côte d'Ivoire
Common assumptions about gambling licensing that turn out to be wrong in practice.
- MythWe can apply for an online gambling license from the ARJH.
- MythOffshore operators have no tax obligations in Côte d'Ivoire.
- MythAn MGA or Curaçao license provides legal standing in the market.Reality
No foreign licenses are officially recognized by Ivorian law. While sites with these licenses are generally accessible and tolerated, they operate entirely outside the national legal framework and have no formal legal status or protection.
Sources1
Markets that work like Côte d'Ivoire
Compared on what our records hold for each country: whether online casino, betting, poker and lottery are licensed, state-run or banned, the licensing model, what the operator tax is levied on and its band, how most advertising channels are treated, and how foreign licences are treated. A point we hold for only one of the two countries counts for nothing.
- NigerAI overview
Online casino and betting limited; lottery licensed; state monopoly; tax on GGR; most ad channels restricted; foreign licences mostly tolerated.
- TogoAI overview
Online casino and betting limited; lottery licensed; state monopoly; most ad channels restricted; foreign licences mostly tolerated.
- LebanonAI overview
Online casino and betting limited; lottery licensed; state monopoly; tax on GGR; most ad channels restricted.
- United StatesResearched
Online casino, betting and poker limited; lottery licensed; most ad channels restricted.
- MadagascarAI overview
Online casino, betting and poker limited; lottery licensed; tax on GGR; foreign licences mostly tolerated.
Methodology & sources
This page is a Quick AI overview: a summary of public information, not yet checked against the law or the regulator. Treat it as a starting point. It has not yet been through our Deep AI Scan.
How we researchAsk us to run the Deep AI Scan for Côte d'Ivoire
Documents cited on this page
- 1CMS Law Guide
- 2PwC Tax Summaries
- 3WTS Global 2026 Tax Annex Analysis
- 4Law No. 2020-480
- 5General Consumer Protection
- 6Google Sweepstakes Casinos Ad Policy
- 7Google's Real-Money Gambling, Games, and Contests Policy
- 8Is Gambling Legal in Ivory Coast? Laws, Regulations & Casino Guide
- 9Côte d’Ivoire launches national platform to crack down on illegal gambling
- 10Billboards Côte d'Ivoire
- 11Pikasso and Broadsign activate the first Programmatic DOOH Campaign in West & North Africa
- 12Focus Gaming News on slot machine destruction
- 13Focus Gaming News on digital monitoring platform
- 14WTS Global on 2026 Finance Law
- 15iGB Africa Gaming Heatmap 2026
- 16Law No. 2020-480 Analysis
- 17Sigma World News
- 18Focus Gaming News
- 19Focus Gaming News
- 20Orbitax News
Looking for the player guide?
For consumer-facing information about gambling in Côte d'Ivoire (tax on winnings, where to play legally, self-exclusion options), see the Côte d'Ivoire player guide.
Disclaimer. This page reflects the law as we understood it on 18 Jun 2026. Rules change: always check the current position with Autorité de Régulation des Jeux de Hasard (ARJH). We are not a legal adviser.