Senegalese wrestling betting operators score court victory against LONASE
Dakar Commercial Court annuls fund seizure, reinforcing the operator’s authority after years-long legal dispute.
Senegal.- The Dakar Commercial Court in Senegal has ruled in favour of the Parilutte-Parilamb Economic Interest Group (GIE), which manages wrestling betting operations, blocking the National Lottery of Senegal (LONASE) from seizing its funds. The decision on October 17 strengthens the company’s control over wrestling betting following years of legal disputes.
Parilutte-Parilamb manages wagers and prize distribution for the country’s traditional wrestling events, locally known as La lutte Sénégalaise, a cornerstone of Senegal’s sports culture.
The legal dispute originates from a 2020 contract, which granted Parilutte-Parilamb exclusive rights to manage wrestling-related bets. According to SeneNews, LONASE allegedly failed to comply with key terms of the agreement, prompting the company to seek legal remedies.
Court confirms Parilutte-Parilamb’s victory
In October 2023, the Dakar Commercial Court ruled in favour of Parilutte-Parilamb, finding LONASE in breach of contract and ordering it to pay CFA5bn (€7.6m), according SeneNews. That judgment established the company’s entitlement to damages and confirmed its authority over wrestling betting operations.
Despite the 2023 ruling, LONASE later attempted to seize funds from Parilutte-Parilamb’s accounts. The court’s latest decision in October 2025 annulled this seizure due to procedural irregularities and instructed LONASE to pay legal costs, according to a separate Seneweb report.
The report states: “This interim judgment confirms the fragility of LONASE’s position in a five-year-old dispute.”
Both rulings are part of the same ongoing legal case. The 2023 decision awarded Parilutte-Parilamb damages, while the 2025 court decision blocked LONASE from seizing funds, reinforcing the company’s legal position.
The case highlights the growing role of private operators in a sector historically dominated by the state. Analysts suggest the rulings could foster a more transparent and competitive betting market, boosting confidence among investors and bettors alike.
