Côte d’Ivoire strengthens gambling oversight, targets illegal slots
ARJH launches awareness campaign against illegal slot machines while the government approves a digital monitoring platform to strengthen gambling oversight.
Côte d’Ivoire.- Côte d’Ivoire is tightening its grip on illegal gambling in a bold move to strengthen the integrity of its legal gaming market. The country’s Gambling Regulatory Authority (ARJH) has rolled out a series of actions aimed at cleaning up the sector and protecting players, including a public awareness drive and the introduction of a new national monitoring platform.
In October, ARJH launched a regional awareness campaign across Kouassi Kouassikro, Bocanda and Dimbokro to educate young people about the risks of unlicensed slot machines.
ARJH representatives said that such machines operate outside the legal framework, exposing users to financial losses and potential criminal exploitation. “Our objective is to protect the youth from illegal practices that promise easy money but lead to harm,” said Daho Mamadou, counsellor at ARJH, according to AIP.
Local youth leaders supported the campaign. “Young people need guidance. Education and legal activities are key to preparing our future, not illegal slot machines,” said Touré Aboubacar, delegate from the National Youth Council in Dimbokro.
The crackdown coincides with a sweeping digital reform. On October 1 the Ivorian government approved a decree establishing a digital monitoring platform in partnership with the National Lottery of Côte d’Ivoire (LONACI) and Afitech CI. The system is designed to track gaming flows, enhance transparency and strengthen regulatory supervision of both online and retail gambling operations.
By pairing education with innovation, Côte d’Ivoire is laying the groundwork for a safer, more accountable gaming industry. Regulators say the reforms will help protect young players, ensure fair competition and strengthen confidence in the country’s growing legal gambling market.
