Key Moments:
- Senegal’s new 20 percent tax on gambling winnings sparked a nationwide 72-hour walkout by bettors.
- Under Law No. 17/2025, winnings are now automatically reduced by 20 percent before payout, with the withheld amount going to the Treasury.
- Concerns have been raised that players may shift to unregulated offshore betting platforms as a result of the new tax.
Market Response to Policy Change
Senegal’s introduction of a 20 percent tax on gambling winnings has been met with a coordinated backlash. Players across the nation left licensed betting shops empty for three days. They expressed frustration over what they view as an unfair reduction in net returns The dispute has cast attention on broader regulatory and financial issues within Senegal’s gaming industry.
Details of the Winnings Tax
The National Lottery of Senegal (LONASE) now deducts the newly implemented tax—established under Law No. 17/2025—automatically from each payout. For example, a win of CFA 100,000 (€152) now results in the recipient receiving CFA 80,000 (€122), with the remainder directed to government coffers. LONASE has described the measure as a ‘civic contribution’ designed to support national development and formalize the sector. However, many regular participants believe the tax is imposed directly on consumers instead of operators. As a result, the value of winnings shrinks in a market already marked by modest rewards.
| Winnings Amount (CFA) | Player Receives (CFA) | Tax Deducted (%) | Tax Sent to Treasury (CFA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100,000 | 80,000 | 20 | 20,000 |
Nationwide Boycott and Broad Participation
The protest, initiated by bettor associations on 3 November, led to a 72-hour halt in participation. This movement quickly spread beyond Dakar, reaching cities such as Thiès, Rufisque, Ziguinchor, and Matam. Reports from local outlets indicated that betting shops observed lower patronage. Furthermore, many locations appeared notably subdued during the period of the boycott. Social channels played a pivotal role in organizing participants, with associations distributing calls to action and urging abstention from all licensed betting activities.
Potential for Migration to Unregulated Sites
Industry stakeholders have voiced concern that the new tax policy might encourage bettors to migrate to unregulated international platforms, accessible through mobile money services. Such platforms are outside the jurisdiction of Senegalese authorities, lacking established player protections and oversight. A shift of this magnitude could diminish the customer base for licensed operators and undermine the channeling of activity through regulated environments.
Balancing Fiscal Goals with Market Realities
The government’s policy is part of a broader Economic and Social Recovery Plan (PRES), aimed at increasing transparency and boosting fiscal revenues derived from gambling activities. Despite these goals, the recent boycott demonstrates the sensitivity of regulated markets when taxes impact player winnings directly. Operators now face the challenge of maintaining player trust and retention, while authorities seek to preserve fiscal discipline.
Looking Ahead
The strike has signaled growing polarization between regulatory objectives and player sentiment. As authorities continue to stand by the new taxation framework, bettor associations have indicated their willingness to organize further boycotts. Operators, in turn, worry that prolonged unrest could accelerate the migration toward less regulated alternatives, affecting the stability of the broader sector. The coming period will likely be critical in determining whether a compromise can be reached to sustain both government revenue targets and market participation.
- Author
Daniel Williams
