Tanzania government seeks stronger gambling oversight as sector revenue doubles to TSh260bn
Finance Minister calls for tighter monitoring as industry revenue reaches TSh260bn and supports 30,000 jobs nationwide.
Tanzania.- Tanzania’s government has called for stronger oversight of the gambling sector as the industry’s contribution to public revenue continues to grow, with revenues doubling from TSh130bn (€43m) in the 2021/22 financial year to TSh260bn (€86m) in 2024/25 and the sector supporting around 30,000 jobs.
Speaking during a recent meeting with the Gaming Board of Tanzania in Dodoma, Finance Minister Khamis Omar called on the regulator to intensify supervision of betting and gaming activities while safeguarding the sector’s economic contribution. “Although gambling is legally permitted and has made a meaningful contribution to national revenue, it is essential that the sector continues to be properly regulated,” said Omar, according to Business Insider Tanzania.
The meeting, held at Treasury Square, brought together government officials and the Gaming Board’s leadership, including chairman Modest Mero, as authorities reviewed the regulator’s performance and its role in overseeing the expanding gambling market.
Mero highlighted the sector’s economic impact. “The sector’s contribution to national revenue has increased from TSh130bn (€43m) in the 2021/22 financial year to TSh260bn (€86m) in 2024/25,” said Mero. He added that the sector currently supports around 30,000 jobs, while also contributing to sports development through sponsorship and related initiatives.
Crackdown on illegal gambling
The Ministry also stressed the need for closer collaboration between the regulator and other stakeholders to address illegal and non-compliant gambling activities. Omar said: “The Gaming Board must establish a special mechanism to control activities that violate existing laws, in collaboration with other stakeholders.”
Authorities also issued a warning to illegal operators running unlicensed slot machines, commonly referred to locally as “madubwi.” The Minister also urged the regulator to strengthen awareness campaigns to ensure gambling activities remain within the legal framework and do not undermine public morals.
Gaming Board Director General James Mbalwe said enforcement action would be taken against offenders. “I urge individuals operating gambling activities illegally, including ownership of unlicensed slot machines, to stop immediately,” he said. “Strict measures will be taken against offenders in collaboration with local government authorities.” Mbalwe also cautioned against viewing gambling as a source of livelihood.
The Gaming Board of Tanzania is responsible for licensing, regulating and supervising gambling activities across the country as the sector continues to grow.
