With the FIFA World Cup 2026 just around the corner, excitement in Dakar has reached fever pitch—not just among football fans, but also in the booming sports betting scene. Over the past five years, the industry has undergone a digital revolution, transforming the way people place wagers. Gone are the days when bettors had to visit physical shops; now, a few taps on a smartphone open the door to endless possibilities. The result? A surge in new punters eager to get in on the action, convinced that the tournament has already begun.
young bettors bet big as world cup fever takes hold
In a lively discussion among neighborhood football players, opinions are divided ahead of Senegal’s highly anticipated clash with France on June 16. Assane is already strategizing: “I’m betting on two different apps—one on France to win and another on Senegal. That way, I’ve covered my bases. A friend even called me saying, ‘Assane, I need cash, come on, let’s place some bets.’ I told him, ‘Sure, let’s try our luck.’”
Mohamed, another young Dakar resident, can’t hide his enthusiasm. “It’s thrilling,” he admits. He’s already placed multiple bets on Senegal’s opening match against France, exploring every possible outcome. “First bet: Senegal wins. Second bet: both teams score. Third: Mbappé scores for France, and Sadio Mané for Senegal. I’m hoping it all plays out exactly like that—then I win big!”
high stakes, high losses: the hidden cost of betting
Mohamed has spent 80,000 CFA francs (around €122) on bets over the past month, but he’s only managed to break even to the tune of 30,000 francs (€45) in losses. Small bets across a wide range of leagues—from European championships to obscure tournaments in the U.S. and China—have become the norm. “There’s no limit, really. But the hard truth is, we lose more than we win,” he admits.
The sports betting craze took off in Senegal after the COVID-19 pandemic, when betting apps flooded the market. Malick Diouf, founder of the Dakar Sport Summit, closely tracks the sector’s growth. “We’re a majority Muslim country where gambling isn’t traditionally accepted. But digitalization has broken the taboo, making betting accessible to all social layers without judgment.”
a growing industry with strict regulations
The market is dominated by three major players: the Russian operator 1xBet, the French company Betclic, and the Senegalese group Sunubet. Since November 2025, all three have been subject to a 20% tax on their revenue, including player winnings. “The government benefits, but the funds collected must go toward supporting both professional and amateur sports,” Diouf explains.
The World Cup is a peak period for sports betting, but it’s also a time of excess. Associations are raising alarms about a rising tide of betting addiction among young Dakarois.
