“We’re paying out despite the rules” – bookmakers surprise punters after Morocco’s victory, including in Belgium
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19 Mar 2026 •
Reading time: 2 minutes
It left punters in disbelief. Morocco lost the final, but went on to win the Africa Cup of Nations days later following a decision by the governing body.
According to their rules, bookmakers are under no obligation to act, yet some are reversing their decisions. VBET and Starcasino have now confirmed in the Netherlands that they will indeed pay out.
African Football Confederation overturns result
The final between Senegal and Morocco originally ended in a 0-1 victory for Senegal. After a chaotic finale featuring a walkout by Senegal and a missed penalty by Morocco, the tournament seemed decided.
Yet a surprising twist followed. The Moroccan Football Federation lodged a protest and was successful. The African Football Confederation changed the result to a regulation 0-3 victory for Morocco. As a result, Morocco was retroactively declared the winner of the Africa Cup of Nations.
That decision immediately put pressure on bookmakers. They had already settled all bets based on the original result.
VBET and Starcasino opt for payout
Whilst most operators are invoking their terms and conditions, VBET and Starcasino are taking a different approach. Both bookmakers have confirmed to Casino Nieuws that they will still pay out bets on Morocco.
VBET has announced that customers who bet on Morocco will receive their winnings, whilst previous payouts on Senegal remain unchanged. Starcasino is taking the same approach and states that players have already received their money.
This decision is striking. Bookmakers’ terms and conditions normally stipulate that bets cannot be adjusted after a final result has been confirmed.
Belgian connection makes the situation particularly interesting
The decision carries extra weight due to the parties involved. Starcasino is a Belgian bookmaker. If they confirm that payouts are being made, it stands to reason that Belgian players will be treated in the same way.
This makes the matter relevant within our country too. Especially as this is an exceptional situation in which the official result has been adjusted retrospectively.
Other bookmakers remain silent
The editorial team at Gambling Club has also approached other Belgian bookmakers with the same question. So far, Napoleon has responded, with a spokesperson stating:
“We will pay out the bets placed and the winnings.”
This is causing uncertainty among players who have placed bets with other providers. Especially as the terms and conditions clearly state that such bets are not normally revised.