Gaming earns Tanzania 260bn/-, it’s 97 percent increase

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT) has announced a significant increase in tax revenue from its gaming activities, rising from 131.99bn/- in the 2020/21 financial year to 260.21bn/- in 2024/25. This represents a 97 percent increase.

The announcement was made today in Dar es Salaam by GBT’s Director of Services, Mr. Daniel Olesumayan, during a working session organized in collaboration with the Office of the Treasury Registrar. The event brought together editors from various media outlets.

Mr. Olesumayan revealed that by June 2025, the gambling industry will have contributed to the creation of approximately 30,000 jobs across the country, including both formal and informal employment.

He further noted that in the past two years, new investors have injected over 66.7bn/- into the Tanzanian economy, indicating rapid growth in the sector and its increasing contribution to national development.

ALSO READ: Tanzania targets 29bn/- from gaming after reaping 17.42bn/- in 2024/25

However, Olesumayan highlighted a major challenge facing the industry—the proliferation of unlicensed operators, particularly those using gambling machines commonly known as “dubwi.”

He said these operators conduct business illegally in unauthorized areas, leading to a significant loss of government revenue.

Speaking at the same event, a representative from the Government Spokesperson’s Office, Mr. Revocatus Kassimba, commended GBT’s contribution to the national economy through increased revenue and job creation. He emphasized that the government will continue to support the Board in ensuring proper regulation of the sector for the benefit of the nation.

The Gaming Board of Tanzania is a public institution established under Act No. 4 of 2003 and officially began its operations on July 1, 2003.