Senegal lies in the western part of Africa and has a history and legislation that defines the current situation with regard to gambling. These activities are linked to Senegal’s strict gambling laws. This article examines the detailed rules and regulations concerning Senegal bookmakers and sports betting, the history of legislations, the authorities in charge of regulating the industry, and the events that have characterized the development of the industry in the country.
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Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
Senegalese Gambling law Historical Background
Independence and Early Legislation
- 1960: France used to rule Senegal, thus, when Senegal became an independent state, French gambling laws became irrelevant in the country.
- 1960 – 1966: This activity was unlawful in this period.
- 1966: The legalization of gambling was enshrised through the Law No. 66-58 on the 30th of June 1966. This law also created the state owned Loterie Nationale Senegalaise (LONASE).
Subsequent Legal Developments
- 1993: The casinos were legalised through the Decree No. 93-59 of the 25th of January 1993. The first casino known as Société Casino du Cap-Vert was set in Dakar-Ngor.
- 2004: Online gambling was legalized and a new gambling legislation was passed through Decree 2004-1252 which is still the principal gambling law to this day.
Legal Regime and Supervisory Authorities
Overview of Gambling Laws
Senegal’s gambling laws have evolved to encompass a range of activities:
- Lottery: Namely, holding a monopoly of LONASE.
- Sports Betting: Another good which is also controlled by LONASE.
- Casino Gambling: Legal and regulated thus becoming part of the economy.
- Poker: Allowed only in the areas of licensed casinos.
Key Legislation
- Law No. 66-58 (June 30, 1966): Concerning the management and control of the gambling establishments.
- Decree No. 93-59 (January 25, 1993): It allows gambling.
- Decree No. 2004-1252 (September 17, 2004): Modernised the gambling law; the regulation of online gambling and the current legal structure.
Regulatory Bodies
Minister of the Interior and the Minister of the Economy and Finance are the officials who regulate the issuance of licenses for gambling establishments. LONASE, the state owned company for lotteries, is the only company legally allowed to offer online gambling services in Senegal and is regulated by the Senegalese Ministry of Finance.
Bookmakers and Betting Regulations
Licensing and Fees
The article 8 of the Decree no. 2004-1252 also provides that the licenses for the gambling establishments including the bookmakers are granted by the Minister of the Interior and the Minister of Economy and Finance. Both the primary and the private licenses for online gambling are held by LONASE and for this reason, the private operators are allowed to work in partnership with LONASE to offer their services legally.
Taxation
Senegal imposes a tiered gambling tax:
- 20% on the gross gaming yield up to a limit of 1,000,000 West African CFA Francs (Approximately 1500 Euros).
- 30% on gross gaming revenue for earning between 1,000,000 and 5,000,000 West African Francs.
- Selecting 40 percent of the gross gaming revenue from any amount between five million and ten million West African francs.
- 60% of the gross gaming revenue over the sum of ten million West African francs per year.
Besides these, the normal corporate tax rate of 30% is also charged.
Senegal Bookmakers and Sports Betting
Legal Sports Betting Activities
Sports betting, a monopoly of LONASE, includes several forms:
- Traditional Sports Betting: Football and other sport activities.
- Horse Racing: Horse race betting through a arrangement with Pari Mutuel Urbain to enable the Senegalese to place their bets on French races.
- Virtual and Fantasy Sports: It is also being seen more frequently especially among the younger generation.
- Online Sports Betting: It is legal since 2004 with companies like PremierBet Senegal that is in a working relationship with LONASE.
Sporting Event Glory Milestones
Senegal’s national teams have celebrated numerous successes:
- 2002: The national football team had its first World Cup match against France which they beat.
- 2019: The national team went as far as the quarter finals of the Africa Cup of Nations.
- 2022: This year’s African Nations Cup has been won by Senegal, this is the first title that the country has ever won.
- 2011: Sprinter Amy Sène took the gold medal in the women’s 200m event during the African Championships in Athletics.
- 2013: At the African Championships, Judo athlete of the Gambia, Mamadou Ndiaye clinched the gold medal in the men’s under 81 kg.
Conclusion
The process of the development of gambling and sports betting in Senegal is characterized by the frequent policy changes and shift in the regulation. The regulation and licensing of gambling activities are provided by the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Economy and Finance; LONASE is also involved in regulating both the offline and online sectors of gambling.
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