Betclic exits Benin, strengthens operations in Côte d’Ivoire
The French online betting operator cites regulatory challenges in Benin, while its Côte d’Ivoire business thrives under a licensed and structured framework.
Benin.- French online betting operator Betclic has officially exited the Benin market following months of disagreements with authorities over the country’s revised tax framework for remote gambling. The closure of Betclic’s Beninese subsidiary in January 2026 came after the introduction of a new tax regime under Benin’s 2025 Finance Law, which increased levies on remote gambling operators as part of the government’s effort to curb illegal betting and raise tax revenues.
A Zola View report states: “Faced with this impasse, the French company decided to throw in the towel. A few months later, Betclic’s Beninese subsidiary closed its doors.” Industry observers say the move highlights the risks international operators face when fiscal policies change abruptly in emerging digital markets.
Under the 2025 Finance Law, online gambling operators in Benin are subject to a 25 per cent tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR), calculated as wagers minus prizes paid out. Crucially, the levy is applied before operating expenses or other deductions, significantly increasing the cost of doing business.
This approach contrasts with Côte d’Ivoire’s tax model, where licensed operators are primarily subject to standard corporate income tax of 30 per cent on net profits, along with a 15 per cent withholding tax on payments to non-resident service providers.
Because taxation in Côte d’Ivoire applies after expenses, payouts and other deductible costs, the overall fiscal burden is generally lower and more predictable than Benin’s gross-revenue-based regime, making it a more financially manageable market for international operators.
Betclic finds momentum in Côte d’Ivoire
While withdrawing from Benin, Betclic continues to expand in Côte d’Ivoire, where it operates under an online betting licence within a regulated gambling framework. The company opened its Abidjan office in 2022 and offers online sports betting and casino games under the supervision of local authorities. Betclic’s Ivorian business has contributed to growth in non-France markets for its parent company, driven by sustained momentum in Côte d’Ivoire.
Since launching in Côte d’Ivoire, Betclic has emerged as a success story within the country’s regulated gambling sector. In 2025, the operator contributed to 16.4 per cent growth in Banijay Gaming’s non-France online casino revenue, alongside strong performance in Portugal.
Betclic has positioned itself as a safe, accessible and culturally engaged platform, running locally relevant responsible-gaming campaigns with influencers and supporting community initiatives such as youth sports sponsorships and road-safety awareness programmes. These activities underline both commercial progress and a commitment to social responsibility in West Africa.
Analysts say the contrasting outcomes in Benin and Côte d’Ivoire underline the importance of clear, stable and predictable regulation in attracting and retaining international gambling operators. Sudden fiscal shifts can drive established companies to exit a market, while structured frameworks are more likely to support legal operations, sustainable revenue growth and responsible player engagement.
