Gaming sector contributes 922bn/- in tax revenue over five years
DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA gaming sector has achieved significant milestones in recent years, making a notable contribution to the national economy.
From the financial year 2020/21 to 2024/25, the sector has generated approximately 922.95bn/- in tax revenues.
And, over the two years from 2023/24 to 2024/25, the sector attracted 66.7bn/- in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and has continued to create employment, with around 30,000 formal and informal jobs recorded as of June this year.
Speaking to media editors at a meeting held yesterday at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam, the Director for Corporate Services at the Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT), Mr Daniel OleSumayani, who represented the GBT Director General during the session, attributed these achievements to improved sector coordination and consistent growth.
“Revenue from gaming taxes rose from 131.99bn/- in 2020/21 to 260.21bn/- in 2024/25, representing a 97 per cent increase,” said Mr OleSumayani.
Despite the progress, Mr OleSumayani acknowledged challenges, particularly the presence of unlicenced operators, especially those using popular slot machines known as ‘Dubwi’, who operate without GBT registration. This has led to significant government revenue losses.
“Some operators have been conducting business illegally in restricted areas, causing disturbances in communities, enabling child (under- age) participation and damaging the sector’s reputation,” he noted.
He added that cooperation with various stakeholders, including government agencies, has led to a reduction in illegal operations, with lawbreakers being identified and prosecuted. The board, he said, remains committed to partnering with relevant authorities to tackle these issues.
Mr OleSumayani also said that GBT will continue working with media outlets to raise public awareness, aiming to reduce harm and ensure proper understanding of regulations governing the sector.
Providing updates about the board’s achievements during the four years under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership, he revealed that by June 2025, the GBT had registered 62 gaming companies and issued 8,549 licences, including a National Lottery licence. The National Lottery licence is valid for eight years but subject to annual renewal.
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He further noted that the sector has recorded an average annual growth rate of 18 per cent over the past four years.
In the 2024/25 financial year, the Board also issued a National Lottery licence to a company partly owned by Tanzanians (40 per cent) and South African investors (60 per cent), which has already invested 20 million US dollars (approximately 50bn/-).
