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