With the opening whistle of the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, the atmosphere in Sénégal is electric. In the bustling streets of Dakar, the anticipation for the tournament is being fueled by a massive surge in sports betting. Over the past five years, the industry has undergone a radical digital transformation. The days of trekking to physical kiosks are fading, replaced by the convenience of smartphone apps that allow fans to place wagers with just a few taps. For many local enthusiasts, the competition has already begun.
Among a group 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 outcome is anyone’s guess, but Assane has a calculated strategy. “I’m going to use two different apps,” he explains. “I’ll back France on one and Sénégal on the other to guarantee some kind of return. A friend even called me saying he needed cash and suggested we try our luck together.”
Mohamed, another young Dakar resident, shares this enthusiasm. For him, the thrill of the gamble is addictive. He has already placed multiple bets on the Lions of la Teranga and their opening match against the French side. “I’ve covered all the bases,” he says with a smile. “One ticket for a Sénégal victory, another for both teams to score, and specific bets on Mbappé and Sadio Mané to find the net. If it plays out like that, I win big.”
The reality of financial losses
However, the excitement comes at a cost. Last month, Mohamed wagered a total of 80,000 francs CFA (approximately 122 euros), resulting in a net loss of 30,000 francs CFA (45 euros). Despite the setbacks, he continues to bet on matches across the globe, from the Champions League to leagues in the United States and even China. “We don’t really have limits,” he admits, “but you have to be honest: we lose more often than we win.”
Like many others in Sénégal, Mohamed’s interest peaked following the Covid-19 pandemic, a period that saw a proliferation of betting platforms. This digital shift has fundamentally changed the social perception of gambling. Malick Diouf, the organizer of the Dakar Sport Summit, notes that in a country with a Muslim majority where gambling was traditionally frowned upon, the anonymity of a smartphone has lowered the barrier. “Digitalization has removed the stigma, allowing people from all walks of life to participate without fear of judgment,” he explains.
The market is currently dominated by three major entities: the Russian operator 1xBet, the French firm Betclic, and the local Senegalese group Sunubet. Since November 2025, the government has implemented a 20% tax on both the operators’ revenues and the bettors’ winnings. According to Malick Diouf, these funds should ideally be directed toward supporting both professional and grassroots sports programs.
While the World Cup is a peak period for the industry, it also brings risks. Local organizations are increasingly concerned about the rise in gambling addiction as the betting frenzy reaches new heights.