DAR ES SALAAM: The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Sports, Gerson Msigwa has called on Sports Betting firms to expand the scope of their funding to boost sports development in the country.
Msigwa made the call recently during the Gambling Board of Tanzania (GBT) 20-year celebration bonanza held at the Oysterbay Green Sports Park in Dar es Salaam.
Apart from boosting sports development in the country in general, Msigwa disclosed that it will also enhance the youth employment environment as many young people are focused on engaging in various sports.
“Sponsorship for other sports apart from soccer by Sports betting firms will increase the enthusiasm for the participation of young people in various sports which will improve the sports fraternity as well as job opportunities creation in the country.
Msigwa further said that sports Betting games are good games especially if the betting firms register and comply with the conditions set by GBT, which will see the firms contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth through tax revenue acquired.
“Sports Betting firms in the country which are sponsoring various sports including soccer have greatly helped in creating a better employment environment for youths, I congratulate GBT for marking 20 years since its establishment, so I urge them to continue with their good work and see how this betting firms can be accountable for Corporate Social Responsibility to the local communities.”
On his part, GBT Director General, James Mbalwe assured Msigwa that GBT will ensure that Sports Betting firms continue to contribute to various sectors in the country, especially sports.
He has said that the GBT is fully implementing its strategies aimed at ensuring that the betting games contribute to the national income while giving an example that in the financial year 2022/2023, the games have contributed to the national income by 174.4 billion/- in various ways including licence fees.
“Currently there are many Sports Betting firms, even our collections are increasing, unlike in 2006/2007 when there were few firms resulting in the collection of 2 billion shillings only, but in recent years the collections are our contribution will be more,” said Mbalwe.