TLDR
- Senegal’s gambling sector generated over $71 million (CFA 40.9 billion) in the first quarter of 2026, according to Finance Minister Cheikh Diba.
- The government introduced double taxation on gambling operators in 2025 to boost revenue and regulate the growing industry.
- The Q1 figures represent a 71% coverage rate against government targets, driven largely by online gambling growth.
- Finance Minister Diba praised the National Lottery (LONASE) and its Director General for supporting government revenue priorities.
- Diba called for stronger cross-border cooperation and protections for younger users against online gambling risks.
Senegal’s gambling industry brought in more than $71 million during the first three months of 2026. Finance Minister Cheikh Diba shared the figures at the African Lotteries Association seminar held in Dakar.
The event brought together industry leaders under the theme “Development and innovation of African lotteries.” It served as a platform to discuss the future of gambling regulation across the continent.
According to Diba, the CFA 40.9 billion collected in Q1 represents a 71% coverage rate against the government’s revenue targets. He pointed to online gambling as a key driver behind the sector’s expansion.
The minister explained that Senegal is focused on diversifying its sources of domestic revenue. He said the government made this a priority due to limited resources and growing budget pressures.
2025 Tax Reforms Shape the Market
In 2025, Senegal introduced double taxation on gambling operators. Diba said the move was designed to increase government revenue while also bringing more oversight to a fast-growing industry.
He framed the reforms as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the country’s financial position. The changes applied to operators across the sector, including those running online platforms.
Diba said the early results from 2026 show the reforms are working. He described the sector as dynamic and said it holds strong potential for continued resource mobilization.
The shift toward digital gambling has been a major factor in the industry’s growth. Diba noted that a large share of gaming activity now takes place online, often crossing national borders.
National Lottery Plays Central Role
The minister also used the seminar to praise Senegal’s National Lottery, known as LONASE. He credited Director General Toussaint Manga for driving innovation and carrying out government directives.
Diba said revenues collected through the lottery and wider gambling sector have been reinvested into the country’s social priorities. This spending comes at a time when Senegal’s budget is under pressure.
He acknowledged that the digital nature of modern gambling creates new challenges. Cross-border operations make it harder to track revenue and enforce regulations.
Diba called for better tools to monitor online gaming activity. He also pushed for improved revenue collection systems and stronger cooperation between African nations.
The minister urged the African Lotteries Association to continue leading efforts to unite the industry. He described the group’s role as both a consultation framework and a source of solutions tailored to African markets.
Diba also raised concerns about the impact of online gambling on young people. He stressed the need for structural and sustainable protections to keep children safe from harm.
The seminar in Dakar highlighted how African governments are increasingly looking at gambling as a source of public revenue. Senegal’s Q1 2026 figures suggest the country’s tax reforms are producing early returns.
The 71% coverage rate against targets puts Senegal on pace to meet or exceed its full-year revenue goals from the sector. Online gambling continues to be the fastest-growing segment of the market.
