TLDR
- Senegal’s gambling sector generated over $71 million (CFA 40.9 billion) in the first quarter of 2026
- Finance Minister Cheikh Diba announced the figures at the African Lotteries Association seminar in Dakar
- Double taxation on gambling operators was introduced in 2025 to boost government revenue
- Online gambling is driving much of the sector’s growth, with games increasingly moving to digital platforms
- Officials called for stronger oversight of cross-border online gaming and protections for younger users
Senegal’s gambling industry pulled in more than $71 million during the first three months of 2026, according to the country’s finance minister.
Cheikh Diba shared the figures at the opening of the African Lotteries Association seminar held in Dakar. The event brought together industry leaders under the theme “Development and innovation of African lotteries.”
The $71 million figure, equivalent to CFA 40.9 billion, represents a coverage rate of 71% for the government’s revenue targets. Diba pointed to the growing online gambling space as a key driver behind the numbers.
Tax Reforms Introduced in 2025 Are Shaping the Market
The finance minister explained that Senegal introduced double taxation on gambling operators in 2025. The move was part of a wider government push to increase domestic revenue collection.
Diba said the reforms were designed to balance growth in the gambling sector with stronger regulation. He framed the policy within a broader strategy of resource diversification as the country faces tight budgets.
“In a context marked by resource scarcity and increasing budgetary pressure, the Government of the Republic of Senegal has opted for diversification and strengthening the mobilization of domestic resources,” he said.
The first quarter results suggest the tax changes have not slowed the market. Instead, the sector appears to be growing while contributing more to state coffers.
Diba confirmed that gambling revenues have been redirected toward social spending priorities. He described the reinvestment as necessary given current fiscal pressures on the government.
National Lottery Plays a Central Role
The minister praised Senegal’s National Lottery, known as LONASE, for its role in advancing the government’s agenda. He specifically recognized Director General Toussaint Manga for leading reforms within the organization.
Diba credited LONASE with helping channel gambling revenues into public services. He said the lottery body had implemented innovations that aligned with government directives.
The shift toward digital gaming was a recurring theme during the seminar. Diba noted that a large portion of gambling activity now takes place online, often crossing national borders.
This trend has created new challenges for regulators. The minister called for better tools to monitor online operations and improve revenue collection from digital platforms.
He also raised concerns about cross-border crime linked to online gambling. Diba urged closer cooperation among African nations to address these risks.
The minister asked the African Lotteries Association to continue promoting collaboration across the continent’s lottery sector. He described the organization as a framework for developing solutions suited to African markets.
Diba also warned about the risks online gaming poses to younger users. He stressed the need for lasting protections to shield children from potential harm.
The seminar in Dakar served as a platform for African gambling regulators and operators to discuss the sector’s future. With $71 million mobilized in just one quarter, Senegal’s gambling market is drawing increased attention from policymakers focused on revenue generation.
