LONAB affirms that winnings are real as four Burkina Faso players hit multi-million jackpots in early 2026
Four early 2026 winners show that legal betting pays off while supporting national development across Burkina Faso.
Burkina Faso.- The Burkina Faso National Lottery (LONAB) has announced that in the first weeks of 2026, four winners have already turned modest bets into multi-million CFA payouts, proving that winnings are real, even “sceptics can see the results”, and that legal betting contributes to national development.
According to LONAB, responsible play is not only changing lives but also supporting communities and the broader economy, showing that legal betting can have a tangible impact on citizens and the nation.
In the town of Bagré, agricultural advisor Hamidou Balima turned a FCFA4800 (€7.30) wager on the PMU’B 4+1 race into FCFA88.819m (€135,000). He plans to invest the winnings in agriculture and personal projects. The ceremony celebrating his win drew local leaders, community members and fellow bettors, all witnessing the tangible rewards of legal, transparent gambling.
Claudine Ramdé, Director of Finance and Accounting representing LONAB’s Director General, praised the winners. “It is also about demonstrating to sceptics that winnings at LONAB are a reality and that bets are used to build the nation,” she said, according to Wakat Sera.
The trend extends beyond Bagré. In Ouahigouya, Azèta Sankara, a 62-year-old merchant, won FCFA88.7665m (€135,000) while Moustapha Rouamba claimed FCFA21.0075m (€32,000) in the same draw. In Ouagadougou, retired banker Brahima Traoré turned a FCFA6300 (€9.50) bet into FCFA72.5965m (€110,000). These early 2026 wins highlight LONAB’s ability to provide fair, inclusive and transformative betting opportunities nationwide.
Ramdé said that LONAB’s goal is “To bring happiness, but also to contribute to the development of Burkina Faso by supporting social sectors”, emphasising that winnings benefit not only individuals but also the wider community.
Ramdé encouraged all bettors to play responsibly. “Luck can smile at any moment, in Bagré as elsewhere,” she added, reflecting both opportunity and responsible play.
Wins boost local communities
Local leaders, including Gérard Maré, Prefect and President of the Special Delegation of Bagré, welcomed the wins. They highlighted that previous payouts, including FCFA35m (€53,000) and FCFA16m (€24,000), have already stimulated economic activity and local development.
By showcasing multiple winners early in 2026, LONAB demonstrates that legal betting can provide life-changing rewards, foster community growth and build confidence in regulated gambling. The early pay-outs reveal a clear pattern: small, responsible bets can transform lives while supporting national development.
From agricultural advisors and merchants to retired professionals, LONAB winners illustrate how legal, transparent betting is more than a game of chance. It is an avenue for opportunity, economic empowerment and nation-building.
