Senegalese bettors launch 72-hour nationwide strike against new 20% tax on gambling winnings

Bettors across Senegal staged a coordinated 72-hour strike beginning 3 November to protest the government’s newly introduced 20% tax on gambling winnings, a move they say threatens the viability of the regulated betting market.

According to reports from Seneweb and local player associations, bettors collectively refused to participate in all forms of gambling for three days, including sports betting and lottery games. The action was organised through regional bettor groups who argue that the new levy represents “exploitation” and will push consumers toward unregulated or illegal channels.

The 20% tax applies to net winnings and was implemented as part of Senegal’s wider fiscal reforms aimed at increasing state revenue. However, bettors claim the measure disproportionately affects low-income players and creates uncertainty around payouts, particularly for small-stake wins.

Associations representing bettors warned that if the government maintains the current tax regime, regulated operators may see a sharp decline in participation, reducing tax revenue instead of increasing it. They are calling for consultations with authorities and a review of the taxation model to avoid what they describe as “a catastrophic impact on the legal betting ecosystem.”

As of now, the government has not issued a formal response to the strike, and no amendments to the tax have been announced. Industry analysts note that sustained player boycotts could pressure Senegalese authorities to reopen discussions on gambling taxation in the coming weeks.