Marking one of the most significant changes to the gambling landscape in the past years of the country, the LONASE or Senegal National Lottery has officially rolled out a 20% tax on player winnings.
As outlined in Law No. 17/2025, the new tax took effect on November 1 at all physical outlets. It will extend to digital betting platforms in mid-November.
Now, every bet carries a civic purpose.
LONASE announced in an official statement that it will automatically apply the new tax to all winnings.
The notice stated that the Senegalese National Lottery, or LONASE, informs its customers that, under Law No. 17/2025, it will apply a 20% tax to winnings from games sold through the physical sales network starting Saturday, November 1, 2025, and through the digital channel starting in mid-November 2025.
That means winners no longer need to create separate payments. LONASE automatically deducts 20% from payouts before players receive their winnings.
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 wider government strategy to increase state revenue, as well as promote social investment.
However, the change feels like a penalty for a lot of players. Senenews reports that a player who wins CFA100,000 (€152) will now receive CFA80,000 (€122). The remaining CFA20,000 (€30) will go to the Treasury as tax.
Bettors fear smaller returns from their favorite games. Meanwhile, government leaders see the move as a way for citizens to contribute to economic growth.
This new tax is just one part of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s economic and social recovery plan, or PRES. Another measure, still under debate, would require gambling operators to contribute 20% of their prize pool share to the state.
