Tanzanian regulator warns of gambling risk in PlayStation games
The GBT has been working to meet the potential demands of an expanding online gambling industry, especially regarding licensing and responsible gambling.
Tanzania.- The Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT) has issued a warning to parents and guardians to be vigilant about their children’s PlayStation gaming activities, as some games may be exploited for gambling purposes.
Daniel Olesumayan, Acting Director General of the GBT, issued the warning on August 12, 2025, during a media editors’ meeting hosted by the Treasury Registrar’s Office. Olesumayan said: “Some PlayStation games are being manipulated to facilitate gambling, posing a serious threat to our children. Parents must actively supervise their children’s use of gaming devices to prevent exposure to these risks.”
The meeting aimed to inform participants about various gambling activities and the board’s role in overseeing and regulating the industry. It is particularly timely as the country continues to experience a boom in its online gambling market.
In the 2024/25 fiscal year, the gaming sector contributed Tsh17.42 billion (€5.7m) to national revenue. Based on current trends, authorities expect this figure to rise to Tsh29.89 billion (€9.7m) in 2025-26.
The GBT has been working to meet the potential demands of an expanding online gambling industry, especially regarding licensing and responsible gambling. In its 2025/26 operational plan, the regulator intends to issue 14,124 licences, including 845 new approvals and 13,279 renewals.
The watchdog is also preparing to launch a nationwide responsible gaming campaign aimed at educating young people about the risks of problem gambling and promoting safer gaming practices.
Last month, the GBT advertised job openings for key positions, including Inspection and Compliance Manager, Communication Officer and Accountant.
