Benin lottery profit jumps 72% as online betting sales grow

Online betting now accounts for 48.4 per cent of the lottery operator’s revenue, although its contribution to gross gaming revenue remains lower.

Key takeaways:

• Benin’s National Lottery (LNB) increased net profit by 72 per cent to CFA1.778bn (US$3m) in the first nine months of 2026.
• Revenue rose by 7.5 per cent to CFA77.95bn (US$133m).
• Gross gaming revenue (GGR) fell by 9.7 per cent to CFA13.945bn (US$24m), while player winnings increased by 12.2 per cent.
• Online betting sales grew by 36.3 per cent and represented 48.4 per cent of total revenue.
• Operating profit increased by 58.5 per cent to CFA2.221bn (US$3.8m), supported by lower other net operating expenses.

Benin.- Benin’s National Lottery (LNB) increased its net profit by 72 per cent to CFA1.778bn (US$3m) in the first nine months of 2026, while online betting sales grew by 36.3 per cent. However, the operator’s third-quarter activity report also showed a decline in GGR as player winnings increased.

LNB’s Third-quarter 2026 Activity Report, dated October 26 and covering the period ended September 30, was published on the Benin National Lottery’s official website. LNB generated revenue of CFA77.95bn (US$133m) during the first nine months of 2026, representing a 7.5 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2025.

However, GGR fell by 9.7 per cent to CFA13.945bn (US$24m), while winnings paid to players increased by 12.2 per cent to CFA64.005bn (US$109m). The return-to-player (RTP) rate rose from 78.7 per cent to 82.1 per cent, reflecting the higher proportion of revenue paid out in winnings.

Online betting sales increased by 36.3 per cent during the nine-month period, accounting for 48.4 per cent of LNB’s total revenue. However, online betting contributed 9.6 per cent of total GGR.

Meanwhile, sales from physical Loto 5/90 declined by 22.3 per cent, reducing the game’s GGR by CFA1.846bn. Growth in other products, particularly online Loto 5/90, partially offset the decline.

LNB’s other net operating expenses declined by 16.5 per cent to CFA11.724bn (US$20m), from CFA14.047bn a year earlier. The reduction was the main factor behind the improvement in operating profit, which increased by 58.5 per cent to CFA2.221bn (US$3.8m). Net profit rose to CFA1.778bn.

The lottery operator also reported a positive financial result of CFA218m (US$372,000), down 38.9 per cent year on year. LNB attributed the decline to the non-renewal of certain financial investments that matured in 2025.

LNB previously retained its A+ long-term and A1- short-term credit ratings from Bloomfield Investment Corporation, both with stable outlooks, despite weaker revenue and net income in 2025.

For the final quarter of 2026, LNB plans to extend its sales network in high-potential areas, attract new players through digital channels and continue managing operating expenses carefully.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• How much profit did Benin’s National Lottery make in 2026? LNB reported net profit of CFA1.778bn (US$3m) for the first nine months of 2026, representing a 72 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2025.
• Why did Benin’s lottery GGR decline in 2026? LNB’s GGR fell by 9.7 per cent, partly because player winnings increased by 12.2 per cent. Lower sales from physical Loto 5/90 also contributed to the decline.
• What share of LNB’s revenue came from online betting? Online betting accounted for 48.4 per cent of LNB’s total revenue during the first nine months of 2026. It contributed 9.6 per cent of total GGR.
• What happened to LNB’s operating expenses in 2026? LNB’s other net operating expenses fell by 16.5 per cent to CFA11.724bn (US$20m), compared with CFA14.047bn in the same period of 2025.