Supreme Court clears Senegal’s second lottery platform launch
On 11 September 2025, Senegal’s Supreme Court gave the country’s national lottery regulator, LONASE, the go-ahead to operate the second lottery portal. The local betting sector achieved a significant breakthrough by nullifying AFITECH’s appeal.
Supreme Court ruling
AFITECH had attempted to stay the new agreement forged between Paymetrust, its chosen tech partner, and LONASE. The Supreme Court claimed no jurisdictional basis to interfere, hence upholding the freedom of LONASE to diversify.
A Seneweb article states: “In a landmark ruling on 11 September 2025, the Supreme Court declared itself incompetent to hear AFITECH’s request to suspend the contract between LONASE and Paymetrust, confirming that LONASE had not exceeded its contractual prerogatives.” This judgment has held that the Paymetrust agreement remains valid and empowers the company to operate its second lottery portal.
ARCOP’s decision
Regulatory support fortified the court’s stance. On 1 July, the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (ARCOP) rejected AFITECH’s appeal concerning the second platform. ARCOP determined that the issue fell outside the jurisdiction of public procurement regulations and affirmed that claims of exclusivity were not applicable.
In its 1 September ruling, ARCOP explained that the agreements entered into by LONASE with AFITECH and Paymetrust are under varying legal regimes. AFITECH’s agreement was a delegation of public service. Paymetrust’s agreement follows a public-private partnership (PPP) framework. ARCOP directed LONASE to initiate a PPP-compatible process within six months to ensure continued transparency and regulatory compliance.
Background of the conflict
The row was due to AFITECH supposedly signing an agreement last year with La Loterie Nationale Sénégalaise (LONASE). The deal also included an exclusivity clause to centralise as well as track lottery operations.
LONASE subsequently outsourced the second platform to Paymetrust as part of improving the efficiency, as well as broadening the services being offered. AFITECH contended that this constituted an exclusivity breach, but the Supreme Court dismissed those allegations.
LONASE’s response
In a statement, LONASE reaffirmed that it is in support of consistency and transparency. It clarified that it would “adapt its agreements with AFITECH and Paymetrust so that they align with PPP regulations, as ARCOP suggested, without, however, excluding the continuation of several platforms.”
This position confirms LONASE’s intention to continue operations with both providers while aligning its contracts with regulatory guidance.
Impact on the lottery sector
Together, the Supreme Court and the ARCOP ruling represent a turning point for Senegal’s lottery industry. It will allow LONASE to proceed without any disruption as long as it remains compliant. This outcome enhances LONASE’s operational autonomy and bolsters its capacity to innovate with various providers.
Effects of the ruling
The ruling will broaden consumer access, extend services, and expand public participation. With legal hurdles off its back, LONASE stands to benefit through technological collaborations as well as build up its efficiency. As for players and other industry stakeholders, the rulings offer comfort that the operations will be stable as well as transparent. The defined framework also marks a maturing regulation that balances innovation, competition, and oversight in Senegal’s gaming market.
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