By Forum staff writer
Sierra Leone’s leading sports and lotto betting company, Mercury International, has paid out more than Le20 million to over 30000 football winners across the country in what the company describes as its biggest payout so far in 2026.
The disbursement, which took place on Monday March 2, 2026, benefited both offline and online players nationwide. Company officials say the payout reflects the growing participation in football betting and the continued popularity of Mercury International’s gaming platforms among sports fans.
Speaking to this medium, the Deputy Public Relations Manager of Mercury International, Sahr Morris Jr., confirmed that offline players collectively won Le14 million while online participants received Le6 million.
According to him, the payout is the highest the company has made since the start of the year and highlights the company’s commitment to rewarding its customers promptly and transparently.
“This payout reflects the level of participation in our football games and our commitment to promptly rewarding our customers,” he said.
He further explained that the winners came from different parts of the country, including all provinces, demonstrating the nationwide reach of the company’s betting services.
The Le20 million payout represents a significant increase compared to the company’s February 2026 disbursement, when more than Le8 million was paid out to about 5000 winners from both offline and online football betting platforms.
Among the thousands of beneficiaries was Charles Obi, a long time Mercury player who has been participating in the company’s games for five years. Obi secured his third major win and walked away with Le24000.
Speaking after receiving his winnings, Obi expressed excitement and encouraged other players to remain hopeful and consistent.
“Your win will come too,” he said while urging fellow punters not to lose faith.
Another notable winner was Musa Kargbo, a senior secondary school student who won Le41000 after placing a modest bet of just Le5. Speaking at the Walpole Street Mercury payout office, Musa said the money would help support his education.
“I will use the money to pay my school fees,” he said, adding that the win has brought great relief to him and his family.
Musa’s story quickly attracted attention at the payout center, highlighting how even small bets can sometimes result in significant winnings.
Founded in 2006, Mercury International has grown to become the largest betting company in Sierra Leone and one of the oldest in the Mano River region. Over the years the company has expanded its services through a network of retail outlets as well as digital betting platforms that allow customers to participate both physically and online.
Company officials say that since its establishment, Mercury International has paid out trillions of Leones to millions of customers across the country.
Industry observers note that the latest payout reflects the continued popularity of football betting in Sierra Leone, particularly during major international football competitions that attract strong interest from sports enthusiasts.
The company’s latest payout has generated excitement among winners nationwide as many players now look forward to upcoming football fixtures and new opportunities to try their luck.
