Senegal’s Parl. Passes Digital Finance Tax Bill, Alarms Online Gambling Sector

Senegal’s National Assembly has adopted a bill to amend the General Tax Code, imposing new levies on digital financial services that could notably affect the online gambling industry.

Under Draft Law No. 17/2025, now passed by the Assembly on September 17, transactions via mobile money transfers will be taxed at 0.5%, while merchant payments will incur a 1% levy. The proposals still require presidential assent and official promulgation before coming into force. 

The government argues that the measures are aimed at fairness and expanding the tax base. Finance Minister Mamadou Moustapha Ba has defended the reforms as necessary for strengthening public revenues and reducing borrowing. 

However, industry observers warn the taxes may raise transaction costs for bettors and platforms. In particular, the gambling sector, relying heavily on digital payments, fears the additional burden could slow growth and push players toward informal or offshore alternatives.

Some stakeholders propose alternative models: instead of taxing user transactions, they recommend levying a share of operator revenues — a change they argue would protect consumers while still enhancing state income. 

The outcome now depends on whether the president signs the bill, and on how the regulations will be implemented, especially in sectors like online gambling.