TANZANIA- Tanzania’s gaming sector is said to have generated TZS307.8 billion (US$116.2 million) in tax revenue during the 2025/26 financial year, marking a significant increase from TZS260.21 billion (US$98.4 million) recorded in the previous year, according to Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT) Director General James Mbalwe.

Mbalwe attributed much of the growth to the rapid expansion of online gambling, fueled by rising smartphone adoption and increased access to digital payment solutions. He noted that the development represents a major shift from a decade ago when land-based casinos and slot machine operations dominated industry revenue.

Despite the sector’s strong performance, illegal gambling remains a concern for regulators. According to Mbalwe, authorities confiscated more than 3,000 unlicensed slot machines during the 2025/26 financial year. While enforcement efforts have reduced the number of reported violations, some operators have reportedly relocated their activities to remote locations to evade detection.

To strengthen oversight, the GBT has intensified collaboration with government institutions. In July 2026, the regulator signed a cooperation agreement with the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government to improve monitoring and enforcement activities nationwide. The board is also working alongside the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) and the Police Cybersecurity Bureau to identify and block unauthorized online gambling platforms.

Mbalwe also identified shortcomings in Tanzania’s current player protection framework, particularly regarding self-exclusion processes. At present, individuals seeking to self-exclude from gambling are identified through a manual system that circulates their information to licensed operators. The regulator is now exploring the creation of a centralized electronic database that would enable operators to identify self-excluded players in real time.

The proposed system, which could be developed through a public-private partnership, forms part of broader efforts to strengthen responsible gambling measures. Mbalwe further called for amendments to Tanzania’s Gaming Act, Cap 41, arguing that existing safeguards place greater emphasis on preventing underage gambling than on addressing broader responsible gambling concerns.

The regulator is also advancing plans to implement an Electronic Monitoring System (EMS) aimed at improving oversight of slot machine operations and enhancing gaming revenue collection. As part of the initiative, the GBT suspended the issuance of new slot machine and route operation licences in April 2026 pending completion of the monitoring system.

Looking ahead, Mbalwe identified electronic monitoring, revenue optimization, and continued enforcement against illegal gambling as key priorities for the board over the next year.

Meanwhile, Tanzania is set to host the Gaming Regulatory Africa Forum (GRAF) 2027, where regulators and industry stakeholders are expected to discuss critical issues including cross-border illegal gambling, online gaming platform regulation, and taxation frameworks across the continent.