Benin’s national lottery operator, Loterie nationale du Bénin (LNB), reported CFA1.778 billion in net profit for the first nine months of 2026, a 72% increase from the corresponding period last year. The improvement came despite weaker gross gaming revenue, according to its activity report for the period ended 30 September, released by the regional BRVM stock exchange.
Revenue reached CFA77.950 billion, up 7.5% from CFA72.479 billion a year earlier. Payouts to players grew faster, climbing 12.2% to CFA64.005 billion. As a result, gross gaming revenue, which measures stakes less winnings, declined 9.7% to CFA13.945 billion.
Online betting supported sales volumes, with turnover rising 36.3% and now accounting for 48.4% of the company’s total reported revenue. Its contribution to gross gaming revenue was much lower, at 9.6%. Meanwhile, sales of the physical Loto 5/90 game fell 22.3%, although that product still represented 36.7% of gross gaming revenue.
Lower operating costs support earnings
The profit gain mainly reflected tighter control of other net operating expenses, which dropped from CFA14.047 billion to CFA11.724 billion, a reduction of CFA2.323 billion. Operating profit therefore rose 58.5% to CFA2.221 billion despite the decline in gross gaming revenue. The financial result remained positive at CFA218 million, following the maturity of certain investments in 2025.
For the final quarter, management plans to expand points of sale in higher-potential areas and attract more users to digital channels. The initiatives form part of the commercial strategy pursued by the company, which is listed on the BRVM.