Gaming sector generates 307.8bn/- in tax revenue

DAR ES SALAAM: The gaming sector generated a whopping 307.8bn/- in tax revenue in the financial year ending June 2026, with mobile access and digital payment systems playing a pivotal role in driving growth.

In the corresponding period, 2024/25, the Board announced a significant increase in tax revenue 260.21bn/-.

Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT)’s Director General Mr James Mbalwe exclusively informed the Daily News on performance over the weekend, highlighting several challenges facing the sector and how his institution is addressing them without discouraging investors.

Mr Mbalwe noted that the revenue growth to mobile-phone access, making it easier for online gambling with sports betting and casinos benefiting more for players are not necessarily supposed to visit physical venue for the purpose.

The GBT boss also added that legal and economic reforms are amongst other factors that have significantly propelled the growth with private sector seizing the investment opportunities.

Regarding challenges facing the sector, Mr Mbalwe said there were illegal slot machine activity, unregulated online platforms and inadequate player-protection systems.

In addressing the challenges and sustainability of the sector, Mr Mbalwe said, the GBT and the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration in the management of gaming activities in Tanzania.

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The agreement, he added, will strengthen cooperation in public awareness initiatives, information sharing, capacity building, and joint monitoring of compliance with gaming laws and regulations.

The director added that the collaboration is expected to enhance the effective implementation of institutional mandates and strengthen coordination between GBT and Local Government Authorities.

The signing demonstrates the shared commitment of both institutions to promoting good governance, accountability, and improved public service delivery.

Gaming Board of Tanzania is a gaming regulatory body which was established under the Gaming Act Cap. 41 and became effective on 1st July 2003.

It is responsible for overseeing, monitoring and regulating the conduct of gaming activities in Tanzania.

The gaming industry in Tanzania was previously regulated under the Pools and Lotteries Act, 1967 and the National Lotteries Act, 1974.

Until the onset of economic reforms in 1985, only national lottery was conducted as a significant gaming activity in Tanzania by the defunct National Lotteries.