Côte d’Ivoire is a nation in West Africa with Ghana to the west, Liberia to the south, Guinea to the north, Mali to the northeast and Burkina Faso to the east. Ivory Coast gained independence on August 7, 1960. Sports betting is permitted in this country. With so many gambling regulations and betting sites out there, people can be confused about how to make the best bets. This guide shall provide you with all the relevant information concerning the betting sites in Ivory Coast starting from the legal aspects to the most appropriate betting platforms to use.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
Ivory Coast’s Gambling Laws History
The history of gambling in Ivory Coast is as old as the country’s independence from France which was in the year 1960. The first approach of the country to the games of chance was rather influenced by the French legislation concerning gambling.
Main Events in the Development of Gambling Laws
- 1960: Ivory Coast became independent and gambling was legalised.
- 1970: The state-own National Lottery of Ivory Coast was set by the Law No. 70-208.
- 1998: The law number 98-371 was adopted with the aim of elaborating unified legal regulation of gambling.
- 2009: Online gambling was officially legalised by the Decree 2009-293.
- 2017: The online gambling site of LONACI was opened together with Parions Direct.
Gambling Regulatory Agencies in Ivory Coast.
The gambling business in Ivory Coast is highly regulated and there are several organizations that regulate different aspects of the business.
Key Regulatory Bodies
- National Lottery of Ivory Coast (LONACI): In charge of lotteries, lottery-like games and sports betting.
- Ministry of Economy and Finance: Responsible for regulating the online gambling and other forms of gambling in the country.
- Autorité de Régulation des Jeux de Hasard (established in 2019): Special thanks for the control and licensing of the games of chance.
Prohibited and Permitted Bets
To comprehend the forms of betting that are allowed and prohibited in Ivory Coast, it is recommended for anyone who wants to bet in the country.
Permitted Bets
- Lottery and other similar activities (e. g. , scratch tickets, keno, bingo).
- This form of betting is commonly referred to as ‘virtual lottery,’ with the ‘sports betting’ being an example.
- Online lottery and sport betting
Prohibited Bets
- Gambling on websites and platforms that are not licensed is prohibited.
- Placing a bet on non-accredited sports or events.
Licenses and Fees of Betting Sites in Ivory Coast
To conduct gambling business in the country of Ivory Coast it is necessary to obtain certain permits and pay for them in accordance with the established tariff.
Licensing Process
- A permit is required for all terrestrial gambling business.
- Application for licenses are made to the Minister of Interior and the application goes through a certain committee.
- Licensing is done in blocks of up to 10 years with an option of renewal for an additional 3 years.
Fees and Taxes
- The tax rate levied on local licensees on their GGR is 25%.
- LONACI is taxed at 10% and thus pays a lower amount of taxes than the standard company.
The Best Betting Sites in Ivory Coast
Knowing the legal situation, here are some of the top betting sites that operate in Ivory Coast.
22Bet
Up to £122
1Xbet
Up To £100
Betwinner
Up To £100
Important events in the history of Ivorian sports
Côte d’Ivoire has always played host as well as has actively engaged in quite a number of important sporting events in the past.
The glory of sports events
- 1984: Personally they have organized African Cup of Nations and got fifth position.
- 1985 & 2013: Held the African Basketball Championship, and won the gold in the year 1985.
- 1995: They are through to the Rugby World Cup in South Africa.
- 2006-2014: Has played in the FIFA World Cup held in Germany, South Africa, and Brazil.
Sport Icons of Ivory Coast
Some of the greatest athletes in the world that hail from Ivory Coast has put the country on the map.
Notable Athletes
- Didier Drogba: Famous football player, Record holder of the goals scored for the national team.
- Yaya Touré: Four-time A wards African Footballer of the ear, was associated with Barcelona and Manchester City.
- Murielle Ahouré: One of the world’s fastest man, holder of the African record in the 100 and 200 meters.
Laws of Neighboring Countries on Gambling
To get a better perspective of the area, let me elaborate on the gambling laws of the three countries that are close neighbors of the country in focus.
Ghana
- Legal Status: Gambling is legal and has some form of regulation as far as the law is concerned.
- Regulatory Body: Gambling commission of Ghana.
- Key Fact: The gambling has always been well developed in the country with many casinos and betting shops available.
Liberia
- Legal Status: There are fewer restrictions in place; however, gambling is legal.
- Regulatory Body: Lottery – National Lottery Authority.
- Key Fact: It is still in its growth stage meaning that it has not developed as much as the industries in Ghana and Ivory Coast.
Guinea
- Legal Status: It is allowed but people do not engage in it as frequently as in other countries.
- Regulatory Body: Economy and Finance Minister.
- Key Fact: The country does not focus on the regulation of other economic sectors on gambling.
Conclusion
There is a variety of options available for the bettors in Ivory Coast, as the legal framework of the betting industry is quite developed. In the realm of sports betting, or if you are searching for the array of casinos to engage in, there are options available. Learning the rules, regulations, and the best websites for betting will enable you in making good choices and hence have a good experience in betting.
FAQ: Betting Sites in Ivory Coast
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