GBT suspends issuance of new gaming machine’s licences to foreign operators 

DODOMA: THE Tanzanian government, through the Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT), has suspended the issuance of new licences to foreign operators of gaming machines, commonly known as madubwi, to conduct a comprehensive assessment of their social and economic impact.

Deputy Minister for Finance, Engineer Mshamu Munde, made the announcement in Parliament in Dodoma on October 29, 2026, while responding to a question from Special Seats Member of Parliament Husna Sekiboko, who sought to know the Board’s plans to regulate gambling activities alleged to undermine moral values in the country.

Eng Munde said the sector was growing rapidly and contributing to government revenue, but the operation of gaming machines had expanded into informal areas, particularly in rural communities.

He explained that the Board intended to collaborate with the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG) to strengthen oversight of these activities in rural areas and at the local government level.

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In addition, the Board has begun developing a technological system that will enable real-time monitoring of the gaming machines.

The government, in collaboration with security and law enforcement agencies, the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) and local government authorities, is also conducting special operations to identify and take legal action against illegal gaming machine operators.

Over the past three years, a total of 1,702 gaming machines have been seized and destroyed.