Mercury International Pays Over Le20 Million to 30,000 Football Betting Winners Nationwide
By Isatu Sankoh
Sierra Leone’s leading sports betting and lotto company, Mercury International, on Monday, March 2, 2026, paid out over Le20 million (Le20 billion old Leones) to more than 30,000 football betting winners across the country.
The payout, described by the company as its largest so far in 2026, benefitted both offline and online punters nationwide, highlighting the company’s growing presence in the betting industry and its continued popularity among football enthusiasts.
Speaking to The Calabash Newspaper, Deputy Public Relations Manager of Mercury International, Sahr Morris Jr., confirmed that offline punters collectively received Le14 million (Le14 billion old Leones), while online players won Le6 million (Le6 billion old Leones).
“This payout reflects the high level of participation in our football games and our commitment to promptly rewarding our customers,” he stated, adding that the company remains focused on transparency and efficiency in its operations.
The Le20 million payout significantly surpasses the company’s February 2026 disbursement, when more than Le8 million was paid out to 5,000 winners across both online and offline 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 the past five years. Obi secured his third major win, taking home Le24,000.
Expressing excitement about his victory, he encouraged fellow punters to remain hopeful and persistent.
“Your win will come too,” he said, urging others not to lose faith.
Another standout winner was Musa Kargbo, a senior secondary school student who won Le41,000 after placing a modest bet of just Le5.
Speaking at the Mercury payout office on Walpole Street in Freetown, Kargbo revealed that the money would help support his education.
“I will use the money to pay my school fees,” he said, while encouraging other young players to remain optimistic.
His story quickly drew attention at the payout center, illustrating how even small bets can produce significant returns.
Established in 2006, Mercury International has grown into Sierra Leone’s largest betting company and one of the oldest betting operators in the Mano River region. Over the years, the company has expanded its network of retail outlets while also strengthening its digital betting platforms, enabling customers to participate both physically and online.
Company officials say that since its inception, Mercury has paid out trillions of Leones to millions of customers nationwide, cementing its position as a dominant force in the country’s betting industry.
Industry observers note that the latest payout reflects the continued popularity of football betting in Sierra Leone, particularly during major international league competitions that attract strong participation from sports fans.
With what it describes as its largest payout of 2026, Mercury International has once again generated excitement nationwide, as thousands of winners celebrated their earnings while many others eagerly anticipate the next round of football fixtures for their chance to win.
