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The Senegal National Lottery (LONASE) has officially rolled out a 20% tax on player winnings, marking one of the most significant changes to the country’s gambling landscape in recent years.
The new tax took effect on 1 November across all physical outlets and will extend to digital betting platforms in mid-November, as outlined in Law No. 17/2025.
A new chapter for Senegal’s lottery sector
Every bet now carries a civic purpose.
In an official statement, LONASE announced that the new tax would be applied automatically to all winnings.
The notice read:
“The Senegalese National Lottery (LONASE) informs its valued customers that, in accordance with Law No. 17/2025, a 20 per cent tax will now be applied to winnings from games sold on the physical sales network, starting Saturday, November 1, 2025, and on the digital channel, starting in mid‑November 2025.”
That means winners no longer need to make separate payments. The 20% deduction is automatically taken from payouts before players receive their winnings.
Civic contribution or player penalty?
The reform has already sparked debate.
Officials have framed the new tax on player winnings as a “civic contribution to national development.” The measure forms part of a broader government strategy to increase state revenue and promote social investment.
But for many players, the change feels like a penalty. According to Senenews, “a player who wins CFA100,000 (€152) will now receive CFA80,000 (€122), with the remaining CFA20,000 (€30) sent to the Treasury as tax.”
While government leaders see the move as a way for citizens to contribute to economic progress, bettors are worried about shrinking returns from their favourite games.
Broader gambling reform under Law No. 17/2025
This new tax is just one piece of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s economic and social recovery plan (PRES). The plan includes a draft law proposing that gambling operators also contribute 20% of their share of prize pools to the state, though this second measure is still being debated.
The government says these reforms will make digital betting transactions more traceable, support financial modernisation, and reduce unregulated cash flows in the market.
For LONASE, the changes align with its long-standing role in supporting social, cultural, and sporting projects across Senegal. Officials say the lottery’s modernisation efforts will help channel more resources toward community development.
Reactions from players and industry stakeholders
Some see the new player winnings tax as a fair exchange for public investment. Others fear it could discourage participation, especially among low-stakes bettors.
Local analysts suggest that LONASE will now need to focus on rebuilding trust with its players through better transparency and public education about how tax revenues are used.
As the new policy expands to digital betting platforms later this month, all eyes are on how players will respond and whether LONASE can balance state priorities with player confidence.
The bigger question
Senegal’s 20% tax represents more than a financial reform. It’s a test of how far the country can go in transforming gaming into a driver for national growth while keeping the public engaged.
Can taxation and trust truly coexist in Senegal’s new era of gaming?
Source: Focus Gaming News
