By Isatu Sankoh
Sierra Leone’s leading sports and lotto betting company, Mercury International, on Monday, March 2, 2026, disbursed more than Le20 million (Le20 billion old Leones) to over 30,000 football winners across the country, marking what the company describes as its highest payout so far in 2026.
The landmark payout, which benefitted both offline and online punters nationwide, underscores the company’s growing footprint in the betting industry and its continued appeal among football enthusiasts.
Speaking to this medium, Sahr Morris Jr., Deputy Public Relations Manager of Mercury International, confirmed that offline punters collectively won Le14 million (Le14 billion old Leones), while online players took home Le6 million (Le6 billion old Leones).
He described the disbursement as the company’s biggest payout for the year, noting that beneficiaries cut across all provinces and age brackets.
“This payout reflects the 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, during which more than Le8 million was paid out to 5,000 winners from both offline and online football 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. Charles Obi secured his third major win, pocketing Le24,000.
Expressing his excitement, 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 Walpole Street Mercury payout office, Musa Kargbo said the win would go a long way in supporting his education.
“I will use the money to pay my school fees,” he disclosed, while encouraging other young players to stay optimistic.
Musa Kargbo’s story quickly drew attention at the payout center, highlighting how even small stakes can yield significant returns.
Established in 2006, Mercury International has grown to become Sierra Leone’s largest betting company and one of the oldest in the Mano River region. Over the years, it has built a wide network of retail outlets and expanded its digital betting platforms, enabling customers to participate both physically and online.
Company officials maintain that since its inception, Mercury has paid out trillions of Leones to millions of customers nationwide, reinforcing its reputation as a dominant player in the local betting industry.
The latest payout, according to industry observers, reflects the sustained popularity of football betting in Sierra Leone, particularly amid major international league competitions that continue to attract strong participation from sports fans.
In what it describes as its largest payout of 2026, Mercury International has sparked excitement nationwide, with thousands of winners heading home in high spirits and countless others eagerly anticipating the next round of football fixtures for their chance to win.
