Online Reporter
LONDON — Bookmakers around the world are facing a rare double pay-out scenario after agreeing to settle bets on Morocco as winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following an unprecedented CAF ruling.
The bookmakers had already paid out millions of dollars on bets for Senegal to win the tournament, to left the trophy, for the draw in normal time. However, after CAF overturned the result and gave Morocco the win on a 3-0 scoreline, bookmakers have found themselves in an unprecedented position.
However, they have committed themselves to honouring the bets of those who gambled that Morocco would win the final.
Paddy Power said: “Following this massive decision to crown Morocco as AFCON champions, we felt it was only right that our customers were also rewarded. “We are always here to right wrongs and put our customers first.”
Betclic said: “We announce the payment of all bets related to the victory of Morocco:
Winner of the competition (odds 5.00)
Final victory of Morocco in the final (odds 1.60)
“While obviously maintaining the bets that had been validated and paid concerning the victory of Senegal, the regulations allow that bets be paid according to the initial results provided by the organizer.
“At Betclic, everything starts from a passion for sports and those moments that make us vibrate. Two months after a final, seeing its result completely overturned is an unprecedented situation. In this exceptional context, we have decided to take this new sporting reality into account by validating the stakes that declared Morocco as the winner.”
Everything you need to know about Senegal vs Morocco payout
- Paddy Power’s early move: Following the news, Paddy Power was among the first to announce on X that they would pay out on Morocco. This applies to both single and multiple bets, effectively treating the CAF ruling as the final official result for settlement purposes.
- BoyleSports joins the payout: Brian O’Keeffe, a spokesperson for BoyleSports, confirmed to the Press Association that the firm is also settling bets on Morocco as winners. This decision reflects a growing trend of bookmakers choosing to follow the administrative “official” winner rather than the “on-pitch” winner.
- Betclic and Betfair’s stance: Both Betclic and Betfair have moved to settle Morocco bets to satisfy customers who backed the Atlas Lions. Given that many had already paid out on Senegal in January, these firms are now facing a “double payout” scenario.
- Sky Bet’s settlement: Sky Bet has also indicated it will honour the new result, providing a windfall for those who held onto their slips or had long-term “winner” bets. This is rare in the industry, as most bets are settled based on the result at the time of the trophy presentation.
- Impact on the betting industry: This situation has created a massive financial headache for bookmakers who must now decide whether to “claw back” winnings from Senegal backers or simply take the loss. Most major firms are opting for the latter to maintain customer goodwill despite the significant hit to their margins. — Mirroretclicgroup
