As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup begins, the atmosphere in Dakar is electric, but the excitement isn’t just on the pitch. Over the last five years, the landscape of gambling has shifted dramatically in Sénégal. The traditional walk to a physical betting shop is becoming a thing of the past, replaced by the convenience of mobile applications. Today, a few taps on a smartphone are all it takes to place a wager, drawing an ever-growing number of enthusiasts into the fold.
Among a circle of young players at a local neighborhood club, the upcoming clash between Sénégal and France on June 16 is the primary topic of conversation. The tension is palpable. Assane, one of the players, has already devised a strategy to ensure he comes out on top. He plans to use two different platforms to back both nations, hoping to secure a win regardless of the final score. He admits that a friend recently reached out, looking for a way to make some quick cash, and they decided to dive into the world of betting together.
Mohamed, another young man from Dakar, shares this enthusiasm. For him, the adrenaline rush is addictive. He has already placed several complex bets on the Lions de la Teranga for their opening match against the French squad. His strategy involves multiple tickets: one for a straight Sénégalese victory, another for both teams to find the back of the net, and specific predictions that stars like Mbappé and Sadio Mané will score. He is banking on these scenarios to turn a profit.
The reality of financial losses
However, the thrill often comes at a cost. Last month, Mohamed spent 80,000 francs CFA (roughly 122 euros) on various bets. By the end of the period, he faced a net loss of 30,000 francs CFA (45 euros). Despite the setbacks, he continues to bet on leagues across the globe, from the Champions League and French cups to matches in the United States and China. He acknowledges that while there are no limits to what one can bet on, the frequency of losing far outweighs the wins.
This surge in activity took off significantly in Sénégal following the pandemic, as betting apps became ubiquitous. Malick Diouf, the organizer of the Dakar Sport Summit, notes that the digital nature of these platforms has changed social perceptions. In a country where gambling was once viewed with skepticism due to religious values, the anonymity of a smartphone allows people from all walks of life to participate without the fear of social judgment.
The market is currently dominated by three major players: the Russian firm 1xBet, the French company Betclic, and the local group Sunubet. Since late 2025, the Sénégalese government has implemented a 20% tax on both company revenues and player winnings. Diouf argues that these funds should be channeled back into the sports world, particularly to support amateur programs that lack resources.
While the World Cup is a peak period for the industry, it also brings significant risks. Local organizations are increasingly vocal about the dangers of gambling addiction, warning that the current frenzy could lead to a rise in problematic behavior among the youth.
