Poker is legal in Senegal and can be played only within licensed casino venues, as regulated by the decree of 2004 (1). The Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Economy and Finance serve as the core governing bodies overseeing gambling management and issuing licenses to casino establishments (1). Senegal's first brick-and-mortar casino opened in Dakar in 1993, and since then several more casinos have emerged offering poker tournaments, slot machines, and live gaming to both tourists and locals (1).
LONASE, the state lotteries and sports betting company, operates as the leading player in the Senegalese gambling market and is regarded as the key gatekeeper for entry into the gambling sector (1). The organization holds a monopoly over lotteries and sports betting, while poker tournaments are particularly popular in Senegalese casinos with a legal age threshold of 18 years for admission (1). Licensed casinos in Senegal pay taxes ranging from 15% to 25% on gross gaming revenue, with license durations typically lasting 5 to 10 years subject to compliance reviews (2).
"Poker tournaments are especially in demand in Senegalese casinos and are open to all comers with a legal threshold of 18 years of age for admission."
Online poker exists in a grey area as there is no formal licensing of online operators and the law does not specifically mention online casinos or gambling platforms (1). Senegalese law technically prohibits making bets on foreign unlicensed gambling websites, but this law is never enforced and no penalties have been issued against players engaging with international online casinos (1). The government may establish future regulation for online gambling as mobile internet access increases, potentially creating a licensing system that would regulate the market and protect players while generating tax revenue.
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-senegal/
https://legalpilot.com/country/senegal/
Last updated: 10-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
