BETCLIC is leaving Benin: the French online betting giant is packing its bags.

An investigation into a strategic withdrawal and the inside story of a tax standoff in West Africa.

An ambitious entry into a rapidly expanding market

When it obtained its license to operate in Benin, Betclic had a clear ambition: to become a major player in the West African sports betting market. The context was favorable: Benin's young, tech-savvy, and football-mad population was driving explosive demand for online gaming platforms. The gamble seemed to be paying off. Betclic quietly established itself in Cotonou, surrounded itself with influential local partners, and developed a digital offering tailored to appeal to African bettors.

A tax reform that changes everything

But in January 2025, the situation changed dramatically. The Beninese government adopted an unprecedented tax reform for the online gambling sector. This reform notably included a 25% tax on revenue generated by online betting operators, compared to 10% for land-based establishments. The stated objective was to clean up a sector that had previously been poorly regulated, secure tax revenue, and combat the proliferation of illegal platforms. This tightening of the regulatory framework caught several operators off guard, including Betclic, which considered the rate excessive and incompatible with the profitability of its local business.

Powerless political allies in the face of the state's firmness

Despite close ties with certain economic and political players in Cotonou, Betclic was unable to sway the government's position. Discussions stalled over tax requirements and the guarantees demanded by the Beninese authorities. Faced with this impasse, the French company decided to throw in the towel. A few months later, Betclic's Beninese subsidiary closed its doors, with little fanfare. The departure was discreet, but highly significant.

A continental trend: Africa regulates and taxes

The situation in Benin is not unique. Across Africa, governments are regaining control over the online gambling sector. In South Africa, online betting is regulated at the provincial level, with strict requirements for foreign operators. In Nigeria, the continent's largest market, regulation is being strengthened, and authorities are actively cracking down on unregistered operators. Kenya and Ghana have also adopted stricter tax policies to capture a share of the sector's revenue.

Billions at stake in a booming market

The African online betting market is worth billions of dollars. The rise of smartphones, improved internet access, and the widespread adoption of mobile payment services have led to the massive democratization of these platforms. Football, particularly European leagues, attracts millions of bettors across the continent every week. In Nigeria alone, it is estimated that more than 60 million people place bets annually. This potential naturally attracts international giants, but the tax and regulatory environment is becoming a decisive factor in their market entry strategies.

A wake-up call for international players

Betclic's withdrawal from Benin is seen by some experts as a turning point. It reveals the limitations of a model based on rapid expansion without anticipating local constraints. It also underscores the growing determination of African states to regulate the sector, to prevent capital flight and protect consumers. For other international operators, this departure serves as a warning: Africa is no longer a lawless betting market. Future entrants will have to contend with high tax requirements, vigilant authorities, and increasingly competitive markets.

The end of a myth?

The Betclic affair in Benin embodies a new reality in the African online gaming market. Gone are the days of easy margins and discreet operations. From now on, every operator will have to prove themselves in regulatory as well as commercial terms. The withdrawal of this European giant could well pave the way for a reconfiguration of the online betting landscape on the continent. Between adaptation strategies, local partnerships, and tax maneuvering, one thing is certain: in Africa, the game is far from over.