Boureima Amadou
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, the excitement in Dakar isn’t limited to stadiums and television screens. The city is experiencing an unprecedented surge in sports betting, reshaping how football fans engage with the tournament.
Digital revolution fuels betting boom in Dakar
The landscape of sports betting in Dakar has transformed dramatically over the past five years. Gone are the days of physical betting shops; today, a few taps on a smartphone are all it takes to place a wager. This digital shift has democratized access, drawing in throngs of new bettors eager to participate in the 2026 World Cup excitement.
Young fans embrace betting culture
In a lively discussion among local football enthusiasts, opinions are sharply divided over the upcoming Senegal vs. France match on June 16. Assane, a young player from a neighborhood club, is already strategizing his bets.
« I’m splitting my bets across two different apps—one for France and one for Senegal. That way, I’m covering my bases. A friend even called me saying, ‘Assane, I need cash, let’s make some bets.’ I told him, ‘Go ahead, let’s take our chances.’ »
Mohamed, another passionate bettor, admits the thrill of sports betting has fully taken hold of him. « It’s electrifying, » he admits. Like many others, Mohamed has already placed multiple bets on the Senegalese team’s performance in the 2026 World Cup. « I’ve covered every possible combination. First bet: Senegal wins. Second bet: both teams score. Then, Mbappé scores for France, and Sadio Mané scores for Senegal. If that happens, I win big! »
Betting realities: losses often outweigh gains
Over the past month, Mohamed has wagered a total of 80,000 francs CFA (approximately 122 euros). Despite his enthusiasm, he has netted a loss of 30,000 francs CFA (45 euros). His strategy involves small bets across leagues worldwide. « We bet on every competition imaginable—championships, the Champions League, Coupe de France, even leagues in the U.S. and China. But the hard truth is, we lose more than we win. »
The surge in sports betting in Senegal gained momentum post-COVID-19. During the pandemic, betting apps proliferated, making gambling more accessible and discreet. Malick Diouf, founder of the Dakar Sport Summit, highlights how digitalization has broken down cultural barriers. « Senegal is predominantly Muslim, where betting hasn’t traditionally been accepted. Digital platforms have removed the stigma, allowing people from all walks of life to participate without judgment. »
Industry giants dominate the market
The sector is dominated by three major players: the Russian operator 1xBet, the French company Betclic, and the Senegalese group Sunubet. Since November 2025, these companies’ revenues and players’ winnings have been taxed at 20%. The funds collected are earmarked for financing both professional and amateur sports. « The government benefits financially, but the collected taxes must be reinvested into sports development, particularly at the grassroots level, » Malick Diouf emphasizes.
World Cup fever drives risky behavior
The World Cup, a highly anticipated event for sports bettors, also brings with it excesses and growing concerns about addiction. Associations are increasingly warning about the rise in gambling-related issues during this period.
Mariama Hamani
