Senegal's LONASE launches LPbet to boost regulated betting
Senegal’s National Lottery, LONASE, has launched LPbet, a new online sports betting platform as the state-owned operator steps up its digital transformation and seeks to strengthen its position in a market dominated by international bookmakers.
The platform was officially unveiled in Dakar recently by LONASE Director General Toussaint Manga. The launch forms part of the lottery’s broader modernisation strategy and its ambition to reinforce digital sovereignty by providing a regulated, locally developed alternative for sports bettors in Senegal.
Developed for both desktop and mobile users, LPbet integrates multiple mobile payment solutions to provide customers with a streamlined betting experience. The platform reflects growing investment in digital sports betting across Africa as lottery and gaming operators adopt new technologies to respond to changing consumer behaviour while strengthening regulatory oversight.
The launch ceremony was attended by LONASE officials, technical partners and invited guests.
LONASE advances its digital transformation
Speaking at the launch, Manga described LPbet as a significant milestone in LONASE’s digital journey and said the platform had been created by Senegalese experts for Senegalese players.
“LPbet, designed by Senegalese people and for Senegalese people, is a new leading digital gaming and entertainment platform powered by LONASE,” he said.
Manga said the introduction of LPbet follows the earlier launch of LONASE Way and represents another phase of the organisation’s efforts to modernise its services as the gaming and sports betting sector continues to evolve.
“Following the launch of LONASE Way, we are now taking another step towards LONASE’s sovereignty in the field of gambling and sports betting,” he said.
He added that the new platform strengthens LONASE’s presence in the regulated gambling market while supporting the country’s wider ambitions for digital independence. Manga also thanked the technical teams involved in the project and acknowledged the contribution of Betting Partners in developing the platform.
Focus on retaining value within Senegal
Christopher Sevilla, CEO of Betting Partners, said LPbet was created to provide experienced bettors with a credible national alternative to foreign operators rather than encouraging new audiences to gamble.
“Our ambition is not to encourage new audiences to enter the game. Rather, it is to offer existing players a national, regulated, responsible, and more beneficial alternative for the country,” Sevilla said.
He explained that the platform is intended to help ensure a greater share of the revenue generated through online betting remains within Senegal, allowing it to be better regulated, managed and directed towards national development.
“We want to help bring back to LONASE some of the value that currently circulates on digital platforms so that it is better controlled, better organised, and more focused on the country’s development,” he said.
According to Sevilla, more than 25 specialists contributed to the development of LPbet. The project brought together expertise in user experience, platform design, cybersecurity and localisation to ensure the product aligns with the expectations and cultural preferences of Senegalese users.
He said the development process focused on creating a secure, modern and intuitive betting environment capable of competing with established international brands.
Building trust through digital innovation
Fatima Zahra Gadio, Director of the LONASE Partners unit, said LPbet reflects the organisation’s wider vision of embracing digital innovation while building long-term customer confidence.
She said the platform demonstrates LONASE’s ambition to provide a modern, transparent, responsible and technology-driven betting experience for users as part of its continuing digital transformation.
The launch also underlines a broader trend across Africa, where state lotteries and gaming operators are investing in digital platforms to increase participation in regulated markets, improve oversight and compete more effectively with global online betting companies.
For Senegal, LPbet represents another step towards developing a locally controlled online gaming sector that aims to keep more economic value within the country while providing players with a secure and regulated betting option.
LONASE continues expanding its national presence
The launch of LPbet follows other recent initiatives by LONASE beyond its lottery operations. In April, the state-owned operator was among the sponsors of the Royal Fight, one of Senegal’s most prominent traditional wrestling events, where Sa Thiès defeated reigning champion Modou Lô to become the country’s new “King of the Arenas” at the National Arena of Senegal.
The event was promoted by Albourakh Events, with LONASE listed among its sponsors. The national lottery has previously supported a range of sporting and cultural initiatives across Senegal. Traditional Senegalese wrestling, which combines grappling and striking, is the country’s most popular sport and regularly attracts large crowds and strong television audiences.
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