PawaTech, the operator of the betPawa brand, has officially ended its operations in Senegal as of 22 September 2025. The decision marks the company’s full withdrawal from the market after years of struggling with a regulatory and fiscal environment it described as heavily unbalanced against locally licensed operators.
Why betPawa Left Senegal
The company pointed to three major challenges:
- Excessive taxes and regulatory fees, which made sustainable operation impossible.
- A monopoly on payment processing, limiting fair competition with unlicensed offshore platforms.
- The growing dominance of offshore operators, which undercut licensed companies by avoiding local obligations.
In contrast, betPawa has thrived in other African markets where regulatory systems encourage fair competition and balanced taxation, contributing to job creation and government revenues.
Protecting Customers
Ahead of its exit, betPawa confirmed that all customer funds were secure and arrangements were made to return balances. The operator stressed its intention to maintain consumer trust and transparency despite the closure.
Looking Ahead
With Senegal off its books, betPawa will now focus on strengthening its position in markets with more supportive regulatory frameworks. The company has not ruled out a future return to Senegal, but only if conditions improve to allow licensed operators to compete fairly with offshore rivals.
Sources: iGaming Afrika, iGaming Today, SiGMA
