SportPesa breaks betting barriers in Tanzania with new USSD games
Rusha Pata and Tatu Pesa allow instant betting from any mobile phone, giving all Tanzanians access without internet, apps or smartphones.
Tanzania.- SportPesa Tanzania has introduced two new USSD-based games, Rusha Pata and Tatu Pesa, aimed at expanding betting access to players across the country. The games are designed to break access barriers by allowing participants to play without internet access, smartphones or mobile applications.
Players can participate by dialing 15087# on any mobile phone and selecting the relevant option. With a minimum stake of TSh100 (€0.04), the games provide instant outcomes, letting players know immediately if they have won. This low-cost, easy-access system targets users with limited financial resources or inconsistent connectivity.
In addition to improving accessibility, SportPesa has implemented a unified wallet system, ensuring that balances and winnings remain synchronised across USSD, web and app platforms. The wallet “unifies all platforms – USSD, web and app – so that account balances and play history stay consistent”, according to a Citizen report.
Players praise enhanced access
Local players have responded positively to the rollout. A player from Mwanza said, according to Daily News Digital: “I don’t always have data, but with USSD I can check jackpots and play Tatu Pesa anytime.” Another user in Arusha said: “Rusha Pata is perfect. No bundles, no app, just dial and win.”
The launch is expected to make betting more inclusive, enabling students, rural workers and low-income communities to participate without facing technological or financial barriers. By removing the need for data bundles or app downloads, the USSD format opens access to a wider segment of the population that relies on basic mobile phones.
By leveraging simple USSD technology alongside its web and app platforms, SportPesa is positioning its services to reach more Tanzanians than ever before, reinforcing a shift toward instant, low-cost mobile betting experiences nationwide.
