Sports betting rules with 63 per cent of action as Tanzania’s igaming booms
Fuelled by football and mobile money, the igaming market is booming on a young, fast-growing player base.
Tanzania.- Tanzania’s igaming market is growing fast, with sports betting leading the way. It makes up 63 per cent of all market activity, firmly establishing itself as the dominant player in the country’s digital gaming scene.
Football is the biggest draw, attracting the majority of bets on both local leagues and major international tournaments. Other sports like basketball, rugby and tennis are also gaining popularity thanks to Tanzania’s rising enthusiasm for mobile betting.
The Tanzania igaming Market Research Report 2025 states: “Sports betting is the bulk of the market, with a majority of players betting on sports, which, at 63 per cent preference, was largely led by their favorite sport, football.”
The report forecasts the sector will bring in $7.37m this year. It is expected to grow steadily at a 9.02 per cent annual rate, reaching approximately $11.34m by 2030.
The report also estimates there will be roughly 39.5 million active players by the end of 2025, which is 56 per cent of the population. Most players, over 75 per cent, are between 18 and 34 years old, with more than 60 per cent under 35.
Sports betting leads; others rising
In terms of game types, sports betting’s share of 63 per cent is followed by online casino games at 20 per cent, poker at 10 per cent and esports and multiplayer games at 7 per cent.
Popular online casinos are drawing players to popular games like slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and poker variants. Poker remains popular among those who enjoy a mix of skill and social interaction. Meanwhile, esports and multiplayer games, including titles like PUBG Mobile, are the fastest-growing segment, capturing the attention of Tanzania’s mobile-first youth.
More than 70 per cent of all betting now takes place online, mainly because of the widespread use of mobile money. Infrastructure projects, like the $150m World Bank-funded Digital Tanzania initiative, are increasing affordable, high-speed internet access across the country. This is creating new opportunities for mobile players.
While sports betting is expected to stay on top, analysts say online casinos, poker and esports are all set for strong growth. With its young, connected population and growing gaming options, Tanzania is quickly becoming one of Africa’s most exciting igaming markets.
