Tanzania targets gaming with new 5 percent betting Tax

DODOMA: TANZANIA’s Minister of Finance, Ambassador Khamis Mussa Omar, has announced that the government is proposing the introduction of a 5 percent excise duty on the value of betting stakes placed through land-based and online sports betting, land-based and online casinos, slot machines, and virtual games.

Presenting the government’s revenue and expenditure estimates for the 2026/2027 financial year in Parliament, the minister said the measure is intended to reduce the negative effects associated with gambling, including gambling addiction and declining youth participation in productive economic and development activities.

He explained that 10percent of the revenue collected from the new tax will be allocated to the Tanzania Gaming Board (GBT) to strengthen the regulation and supervision of the gambling industry in the country.

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According to the minister, the proposal will help address social challenges linked to gambling while also increasing government revenue to support the implementation of development projects and other public programs.

The government expects to collect approximately 74.5bn/- from the new excise duty if the proposal is approved.