Côte d’Ivoire is initiating a comprehensive, two-pronged strategy to enhance regulatory control and combat widespread illegal gambling operations across the country’s growing sector. The Gambling Regulatory Authority (ARJH) has launched a coordinated national campaign that combines public education with the rollout of advanced digital monitoring tools.
This significant regulatory drive is one of the most comprehensive in the nation’s history. It includes a regional awareness programme specifically targeting unlicensed slot machines and the implementation of a new, government-approved digital monitoring platform designed to track all gaming activity nationwide.
The ARJH’s community outreach program emphasizes youth education and consumer protection. In October, ARJH officials began a regional tour across areas including Kouassi Kouassikro, Bocanda, and Dimbokro, with the primary goal of raising awareness about the severe social and financial risks associated with illegal slot machines.
Regulators stress that young people are particularly vulnerable to the deceptive promise of easy money offered by unlicensed operations.
Community leaders have voiced strong support for the initiative. The campaign forms part of ARJH’s broader mission to restore public trust in the regulated gaming sector, which has long been undermined by the proliferation of illegal machines and operators.
In parallel with the educational campaign, the Ivorian government approved a decree on October 1, 2025, establishing a digital monitoring platform. This system, developed in partnership with the National Lottery of Côte d’Ivoire (LONACI) and technology firm Afitech CI, is intended to boost transparency and data collection across both the online and land-based gambling markets.
The new infrastructure will allow regulators to track gaming flows in real-time, monitor operator compliance, and proactively prevent illicit betting activities. Crucially, the system will also support responsible gambling by providing data-driven insights into transaction patterns and player behaviour.
Officials state this modernization effort will enhance the efficiency and accountability of the entire regulatory framework, promising a more stable and compliant business environment for licensed operators.
By combining technological reform with on-the-ground public engagement, Côte d’Ivoire is aligning its gaming supervision with modern, integrated governance models prevalent in West Africa.
Daho Mamadou, ARJH Counsellor:
Our objective is to protect the youth from illegal practices that promise easy money but lead to harm.
Touré Aboubacar, delegate from the National Youth Council in Dimbokro:
Young people need guidance. Education and legal activities are key to preparing our future, not illegal slot machines.
