Liberia's gambling industry is facing a significant shift in advertising models. According to the latest requirements from the Liberian Intellectual Property Office (LIPO), gambling companies must pay musicians if they use their music in advertisements. This initiative aims to strengthen copyright protection and ensure that artists are fairly compensated for the commercial use of their works.
This policy was first made public at a copyright association (COSOL) welfare distribution event held in Monrovia. At the event, dozens of local artists from various musical genres received checks in recognition of their contributions to national culture. Although these payments were not related to copyright sharing, LIPO Director Galmae Koiboi emphasized that the use of music in future advertisements would officially be included in the payment mechanism.
For the gambling industry, this means a change in the structure of advertising costs. The industry has long relied on advertising songs, radio commercials, and social media audio to attract users, and now it will have to bear additional expenses. This may prompt operators to explore royalty-free music, original collaborations, or more cautious advertising strategies. Large gambling companies have the capacity to adapt, but smaller or emerging businesses may face greater pressure.
This policy will not only create stable income for musicians but also increase copyright licensing revenues for COSOL, LIPO, and the government. More importantly, it symbolizes an institutional upgrade in Liberia's advertising and intellectual property sectors, injecting new vitality into the local creative economy. As the implementation progresses, COSOL urges musicians to actively register their works to ensure they benefit maximally.
