How LONACI Controls Remote Gaming in Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d'Ivoire runs one of West Africa's most closed online betting markets. Online sports betting falls under games conceded to LONACI and is not open to competition. Private brands still appear online, but only through LONACI's approval. The system rests on a 2020 law, a state concession and a new enforcement unit created in April 2026.

The Concession Model

Law No. 2020-480 created the ARJH as the national gambling regulator. The same framework gives LONACI the state concession covering lottery, sports betting, horse racing, virtual betting and online gambling. The ARJH supervises land-based casinos and checks that LONACI follows the law. The state signed a concession agreement with LONACI in 2021. A December 2023 decree then set the legal regime for games conceded to LONACI, with a focus on fighting unauthorised betting online and offline.

Approved Partners Only

LONACI operates its own brand while approving selected partners. Sportcash, LONACI's betting brand, offers pre-match, live and virtual betting, with stakes starting at 400 FCFA. In December 2023, LONACI confirmed approvals for 1xBet, Betclic and Premier Bet. The partner list has moved since. One betting guide reports that Premier Bet has left the market and Betmomo has joined. Private operators cannot apply to the ARJH for online licences, because its authorisations cover land-based casinos and slot halls.

A New Enforcement Unit

Enforcement tightened in 2026. On 29 April, the Council of Ministers adopted a decree creating a dedicated gambling surveillance unit, the USSJH. The unit includes sworn agents, security forces and regulator representatives, with powers to investigate and penalise gambling offences nationwide. The stakes are large. LONACI reported turnover of 657.6 billion FCFA in 2025, up from 579.3 billion FCFA in 2024. Authorities cite persistent illegal activity as a reason for stronger controls.

A Market With One Gatekeeper

Remote gaming in Côte d'Ivoire starts and ends with LONACI. Foreign sportsbooks enter only as approved partners, and the new surveillance unit targets everyone else.