Tanzania Introduces Temporary Betting Restrictions to Strengthen Responsible Gambling
The Gaming Board of Tanzania has introduced new measures aimed at curbing gambling addiction, including temporary restrictions on individuals identified as engaging in excessive betting.
Speaking at the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair, GBT senior public awareness and education officer Zena Athmani said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to reduce the social and economic impact of problem gambling, particularly among young people.
The regulator continues to promote its “Makinika Kijana, Kubeti Sio Ajira” (Be Smart, Young Person; Betting Is Not Employment) campaign, encouraging youth to view betting as entertainment rather than a source of income.
According to Athmani, GBT is expanding its public education efforts through media, social platforms, and community outreach to raise awareness about responsible gambling and the risks associated with addiction.
Under the new framework, individuals can voluntarily opt for self-exclusion from betting for a defined period. In addition, the regulator uses monitoring systems to detect risky behaviour, temporarily suspend affected players, and provide counselling and guidance.
Athmani noted that excessive gambling carries serious consequences, adding that early intervention is key to protecting players.
Alongside these measures, GBT is intensifying enforcement against illegal slot machines, locally known as Madubwi, and has partnered with regional and local government authorities to improve the identification and control of unlawful gambling operations.
