Gaming board urges unregistered firms to comply with law, regulations

DAR ES SALAAM: UNREGISTERED companies engaging in gaming activities have been urged to register with the Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT) in compliance with laws and regulations governing the industry.

The call was made recently by the Board’s Gaming Inspector, Joram Mtafya, during an event where a motorcycle was handed over to Mr Adam Ahmad, a Dar es Salaam resident, who emerged winner in an online auction conducted by Piku Company.

“Every draw must have a representative from our board to ensure all procedures are followed and that the winner is legitimately identified. We are calling upon other companies conducting gaming activities to register so they can also contribute to government revenues,” said Mtafya.

For his part, Mr Ahmad urged young people in the country to stop misusing social media and digital platforms, and instead embrace them as avenues for opportunities that can help them improve their livelihoods.

He said digital platforms can be used by youth to access valuable items and services that may help them gain economic empowerment.

“My goal is to educate young people to use digital platforms productively. For example, Piku operates auctions of quality and modern products that can help individuals improve their lives and achieve financial independence,” Mr Ahmad explained.

He narrated how he placed a small but unique bid, bought a ticket, and kept playing until he won the motorcycle.

“I am very happy because this prize will help me in my bodaboda business and enable me to fight poverty. I have been a rider for a long time, but my dream was to own my own motorcycle – something I have now achieved through Piku,” he said.

On his part, Piku’s Head of Information and Communication, Mr Barnabas Mbunda, said the company’s aim is to economically uplift Tanzanians through transparent and lawful auctions.

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“Today we have awarded a TVS motorcycle, which comes with one-year insurance and free fuel for the winner for a whole year. There is also a winner of a 55-inch LG television and another winner of a router with one-year internet subscription. We want to simplify people’s lives by giving them opportunities to win items that can improve their economic well-being,” said Mr Mbunda.

He added that the motorcycle prize includes not only the bike itself, but also 30 litres of fuel every month for a year, in addition to annual insurance cover.

“We are doing this with the intention of uplifting citizens economically. Piku is a legitimate company, fully registered and operating in compliance with all national laws,” he stressed.