Ivory Coast’s Gambling Regulatory Authority (ARJH) has announced tougher enforcement measures to protect minors from gambling harms. It has warned operators that allow underage participation that their licences may be revoked.
ARJH Director of Legal Affairs Dosso Ibrahima noted that inspections and monitoring of licensed operators will intensify, and the Authority will also target illegal slot operators.
Dosso made the remarks during the programme "All You Need to Know About", organised by the Government Information and Communication Centre (CICG), which focused on gambling regulation, particularly sports betting and online gaming.
He stated: "In the coming weeks, the Authority will be deployed on the ground. Awareness campaigns will be organised to make young people understand that gambling is not a substitute for work. It is a recreational activity, a simple pastime."
ARJH has already carried out several awareness campaigns on responsible gambling, licensed operators, illegal sites and the prohibition of minors participating in games of chance, with additional campaigns now planned.
Dosso further highlighted the ongoing discussions with the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA) and the Telecommunications/ICT Regulatory Authority of Côte d'Ivoire (ARTCI) to improve the regulation of advertising related to games of chance.
Recently, the regulator destroyed 312 illegal slot machines.
In 2025, the country's legal gambling sector generated XOF 922.25bn ($1.57bn) in turnover, employed 1,859 individuals and generated XOF 63.48bn in state revenue.
At the end of December 2025, there were 16 licenced online operators, six land-based casinos and two gaming halls.
Earlier this year, Ivory Coast formally documented the creation of its Gambling Sector Monitoring Unit. The unit will support the gambling regulator by monitoring, controlling and securing gambling sites. It will have broad powers to investigate, enforce and report gambling-related offences across the country.
Combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism is also an immediate priority for ARJH
