Benin: Benin’s National Lottery is gearing up for a major expansion after a strong first half of 2026 saw net profit jump 60%, with the operator planning to roll out 1,500 new terminals across the country in the second half of the year.
The National Lottery of Benin reported net profit of FCFA1.348 billion (US$2.4 million) for the first six months of 2026, up from FCFA841 million (US$1.5 million) during the same period last year.
Revenue also increased by 4% to FCFA49.937 billion (US$87.8 million), compared with FCFA48.148 billion (US$84.7 million) in the first half of 2025.
The figures were published in Loterie Nationale du Bénin (LNB SA) 2026 First-Half Activity Report, dated July 30, alongside the statutory auditors’ limited review of the company’s interim financial statements.
LNB said the results demonstrate the progress of its transformation strategy, which was launched at the beginning of the year.
Sports betting emerged as an important contributor to LNB’s performance during the first half of the year. The first quarter saw an acceleration in the operator’s sports-betting offering, player winnings increased by 7% to FCFA40.970 billion (US$72.1 million), with LNB attributing the increase partly to the growing contribution of products with higher player returns, particularly sports betting.
Despite the increase in revenue and profit, gross gaming revenue (GGR) fell 9% to FCFA8.967 billion (US$15.8 million).
Operating profit, however, climbed 40% to FCFA1.783 billion (US$3.1 million), while operating expenses dropped 17% to FCFA7.184 billion (US$12.6 million).
LNB attributed the improved profitability to tighter control of operating costs and revenue generated through partnerships with other sports-betting operators.
With the first half delivering stronger profitability, LNB is entering the second half with an ambitious expansion programme.
The operator plans to deploy 1,500 new terminals, increase the frequency of game draws and re-engage inactive players.
It also plans to extend its reach into rural communities and one-off events through mobile teams, while reopening four pilot sales outlets for LNB products.
New scratch cards linked to cultural and national identity celebrations are also planned as part of the operator’s efforts to diversify its product offering and attract players.
The expansion forms part of LNB’s wider transformation programme under Managing Director Marius Adanzounon, who assumed leadership of the company in June.
The latest results also come shortly after LNB shareholders approved a FCFA3.438 billion (US$6 million) gross dividend for 2025, as the lottery operator continues to pursue ambitions of expanding its presence across Francophone Africa.
The first-half results underline the growing importance of sports betting and other high-player-return products to LNB’s business, while the planned terminal rollout signals a renewed push to expand the operator’s physical and digital reach across Benin.
