The African gambling industry has been in the news recently, with several nations introducing progressive gambling reforms. Tanzania is the latest to join the fray, hot on the heels of Kenya. Lawmakers in Tanzania, in a bid to regulate the flourishing gambling market and rein in illegal operators, plan to introduce several reforms, increasing government oversight.
Key Notes of the Story
- The Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT) plans to issue 14,124 licences in the next fiscal year. The figures include 845 new licences and 13,279 renewals.
- The GBT is tightening its grip on illegal operators and educating the public about the dangers of illegal gambling by conducting awareness drives.
- The authorities have set a target of raising €10.7 million annually, which will be used for community development.
Government Cracks Down on Illegal Gambling Operators
The Tanzanian government is cracking down on illegal gambling operators, and this time, the authorities aren’t stopping at penalties. The Finance Ministry is committed to reining in unlicensed online casinos and sportsbooks targeting Tanzanian consumers. The goal is to reform existing statutes to ensure consumer protection and generate revenue for use in community development.
Finance Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba unveiled the national budget 2025/26 with a reformist spirit, laying out a clear plan to identify and ban illicit operators, preventing gambling funds from bleeding out to offshore platforms. The Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT) is preparing to issue over 14,000 licences, including new and renewal applications.
The GBT aims to issue 14,124 licences within the current fiscal year. The list includes 845 new licences and 13,279 renewals. “We are reinforcing regulatory oversight to improve player safety, ensure a fair gaming experience, and increase revenue streams, which we will use for community development,” Dr Nchemba said.
Authorities Banking on Gaming Revenue
The Tanzanian government is relying on the gambling industry to generate projected revenue. The GBT is on a mission to turn the Tanzanian gambling industry into a meaningful contributor to the national economy. It has set an annual target of €10.7 million.
The government plans to use the additional funds for broader economic reforms, including modernising state-sponsored businesses and developing digital infrastructure for better data-driven decision-making. The regulator is also cracking down heavily on unlicensed gambling operators.
12 risk-based inspections and 4 enforcement operations are already in the pipeline. The watchdog aims to put a stop to unlawful gambling operations and keep the market open only to licensed gambling platforms. The government plans to educate the masses on the dangers posed by illegal gambling sites.
A nationwide awareness drive is being worked upon to educate Tanzanians about the dangers of problem gambling. Officials hope to eliminate illegal gambling sites, promote responsible gambling, and reshape the domestic iGaming industry with continued effort and strict regulatory enforcement.
Tanzania’s message to offshore gambling operators is clear: The days of skirting the law are over. Through public awareness, reformed legislation, and strict enforcement, the government is hopeful of turning the tide in its favour. The authorities are betting big on the country’s legal gambling sector and are exploring ways to expand sustainably.
If you’re interested in regulatory developments in the iGaming industry, make sure to check the Ace Alliance News page regularly. Our experts follow the latest events to bring you an overview of the current landscape with special coverage on a country basis.