Côte d’Ivoire is strengthening efforts to promote responsible gambling and protect player’s mental well-being through a new partnership between the Gaming Regulatory Authority (ARJH) and the Ivorian Center for Studies and Research in Applied Psychology (CIERPA).
The two institutions signed a partnership agreement on October 6 at ARJH’s premises in Attoban, Cocody, to establish a structured framework for supporting problem gamblers and preventing gambling addiction.
The agreement outlines several areas of cooperation, including psychological support for gamblers, the identification of risky gambling behaviors, scientific research into gambling addiction in Côte d’Ivoire, public awareness campaigns, prevention initiatives and capacity building.
Under the arrangement, CIERPA will provide support and follow-up care for gamblers referred by ARJH, including individuals requiring specialized psychological intervention. The institutions will also collaborate on developing a player profiling system and implementing mechanisms to identify potential cases of gambling addiction.
The partnership will further facilitate research into gambling-related addiction in Côte d’Ivoire, helping both institutions better understand player behavior and identify effective prevention and intervention strategies. CIERPA will also assist ARJH in developing communication materials and implementing campaigns to promote responsible gambling.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, ARJH Regulatory Council President Jules Dally said the agreement aligns with the vision of President Alassane Ouattara and reflects the Ministry of Economy, Finance and Budget’s commitment to responsible governance of the gambling sector.
He noted that the partnership incorporates the social, health and psychological dimensions of gambling regulation, adding that both institutions share a commitment to addressing the harmful consequences of gambling.
Dally also expressed appreciation to CIERPA for agreeing to receive and monitor gamblers experiencing addiction who are referred by the regulatory authority.
CIERPA Director Dr Hassan Tieffi described the agreement as more than an administrative arrangement, emphasizing its role in bringing scientific knowledge and professional expertise together to understand gambling behavior and prevent risky practices.
He reaffirmed CIERPA’s commitment to supporting ARJH in developing player protection tools and establishing appropriate mechanisms for managing gambling addiction cases.
Through the partnership, ARJH and CIERPA aim to strengthen player protection, improve access to psychological support and advance responsible gambling practices in Côte d’Ivoire.
