Tanzania’s betting industry revenue doubles in four years
Over the last two years, 62 licensed companies have poured TZS 66.7 billion (€23.1m) into the market, offering 8,549 betting games to players.
Tanzania.- The Gaming Board of Tanzania has reported TZS 260.21 billion (€96.37m) in revenue over the past four years, almost twice the TZS 131.99 billion (€48.88m) collected in the previous period.
The Acting Director General, Olesumayan Daniel, shared the figures during a press conference hosted by the Treasury Registrar’s Office in Dar es Salaam on 29 September. According to him, the sector has created more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs for families across Tanzania. He added that the industry contributed TZS 922.25 billion (€341.5m) in taxes, which funds essential public services such as roads and schools.
The revenue increase stems from stricter licensing and new investments. Over the last two years, 62 licensed companies have invested TZS 66.7 billion (€23.1m) in the market, offering 8,549 betting games to players. One key addition is Ithuba Tanzania Limited, which received the national lottery licence in the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
With 60 per cent South African backing and 40 per cent local ownership, Ithuba began operations in April 2025 after spending more than €18.2m, equivalent to approximately TZS 54 billion, on setup and technology. The company now runs transparent draws, posting results online for the first time in Tanzania, which helps build trust among everyday players.
Daniel highlighted how these changes benefit communities beyond the numbers. Five per cent of the board’s earnings go directly to sports programmes through the National Sports Council, delivering between TZS 44 billion (€15.28m) and TZS 53 billion (€18.41m) for youth training, stadium upgrades and local teams. He explained that this funding keeps young people active and gives them real opportunities in sports, pointing to projects that have already equipped rural fields and coached hundreds of young athletes.
However, Daniel stressed the need for caution, reminding bettors that betting should remain a form of entertainment, not a means to pay bills. He urged bettors to show self-control to avoid losing what they have worked hard for, noting that they should balance their betting habits with their financial responsibilities.
In recent weeks, the board has been stepping up efforts against unlicensed operators, who fail to protect minors or run unsafe games. A recent warning highlighted the risks of informal betting on PlayStation matches at home, where families may unintentionally expose children to gambling. These measures are designed to protect vulnerable individuals while supporting industry growth. Officials expect more jobs and investments ahead, with projections for the 2025-2026 fiscal year indicating higher collections.
