By Lamin Bangura
Sierra Leone has entered a new era of digital entertainment with the official launch of ChopWin, an online casino and sports betting platform, during a high-profile event at the New Brookfields Hotel on Saturday, 9th May 2026. The event, attended by government officials, industry stakeholders, and media representatives, marked the formal introduction of a fully online, African-focused gaming platform to the local market. Operated under the broader Choplife Gaming group, led by Nigerian superstar and entrepreneur Mr. Eazi, ChopWin aims to redefine digital entertainment by blending African innovation with international standards.
Operations manager, Dickor Kargbo, highlighted that ChopWin is a platform built in Africa for Africans. Unlike many foreign-owned betting companies in the region, ChopWin has focused on local collaboration, spending eight months forging partnerships with Sierra Leonean payment providers and service institutions. The platform offers more than 150 curated games, including slots and crash games, optimized for fast loading and low minimum stakes to ensure accessibility for a wide range of adult users.
A key theme during the launch was the commitment to responsible gaming. Honorable Ibrahim Barrie of the Bombali District, alongside representatives from the Ministry of Social Welfare, emphasized the importance of protecting Sierra Leone’s youth, noting that gaming can be both an investment opportunity and a form of entertainment, but must be regulated to prevent addiction.
Julie M. Rozand, Head of Brand Experience at ChopWin, detailed the platform’s safety measures, including rigorous KYC identity verification, OTP phone authentication, and self-exclusion tools that allow users to limit their play or block their accounts when necessary.
The Ministry of Social Welfare, represented by John Buckle, praised the company’s transparency and proactive stance on age restrictions, urging strict procedures to prevent access by anyone under 18 and protect the intellectual and mental development of young Sierra Leoneans.
ChopWin executives assured the audience that the platform operates on principles of trust and accountability, with a portion of proceeds reinvested in community initiatives, such as local football sponsorships and festive giveaways, ensuring that the company’s growth benefits the society in which it operates.
ChopWin’s expansion across West Africa, including The Gambia and Uganda, reflects a shift toward more sophisticated, secure, and locally-conscious digital platforms. By integrating seamless mobile money payments, such as Orange Money, and offering 24/7 customer support, the platform aims to deliver a safe, honest, and engaging experience.
The launch concluded with a call for the industry to prioritize player well-being over profitability, setting a benchmark for responsible gaming operations in Africa.