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Tanzanian authorities are sounding the alarm about the risks posed by betting on PlayStation games, urging families to take action.
On August 12, 2025, Daniel Olesumayan, the Acting Director General of the Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT), addressed the issue during a meeting with media editors organized by the Treasury Registrar’s Office.
The gathering aimed to increase awareness about gambling activities and clarify the GBT’s regulatory responsibilities. Olesumayan stressed the importance of keeping children away from gambling, highlighting that it is primarily the parents’ duty to supervise their children’s gadget usage.
“As parents, we must protect our children. It is important to track how they use gadgets intended to stimulate their minds. PlayStation games turned into gambling must only operate in board-approved locations,” he said.
Gambling Sector Continues to Grow
The growth of Tanzania’s gambling industry is evident, with the GBT registering 62 companies and issuing a remarkable 8,549 licenses in the 2024/25 financial year.
This number includes licenses for various activities, such as the National Lottery and sports betting, with some companies holding multiple licenses to operate different types of gambling across various locations.
“The sector’s tax revenue surged by 97 percent, from Sh131.9 billion in 2020/21 to Sh260 billion in 2024/25,” Mr Olesumayan stated. He also noted that the ability to place bets as low as Sh1,000 has contributed to this impressive growth.
Over the past five years, the gambling industry has generated a staggering total of Sh992 billion in revenue. Foreign direct investment has also played a crucial role, contributing around Sh66.6 billion in the last two years.
Most of the investors are from abroad, making the sector a vital source of foreign exchange, particularly during times of economic shortage. Tourists who visit gambling venues further enhance the inflow of foreign currency.
Additionally, the sector supports local sports through sponsorships and infrastructure development, contributing Sh44.6 billion over five years. By law, 5 percent of gaming tax revenues from sports betting is allocated to the National Sports Council (BMT), totaling Sh9.2 billion in the last four years.
More Work to Be Done
Even with recent advancements, the GBT still faces significant challenges, particularly with illegal slot machines that operate without registration. These machines often attract children, posing risks not only to minors but also to the integrity of the gambling sector.
To tackle these issues, GBT is looking to the future with plans to utilize technology for better management of the industry and also enhance the skills of staff for more effective oversight. The regulator has also established more zonal offices and recently banned foreigners from operating slot machines.
Recognizing the expanding online gambling market, the GBT is also preparing to address licensing needs in its 2025/26 operational plan. This plan includes issuing a total of 14,124 licenses, comprising 845 new approvals and 13,279 renewals.
Additionally, the board is set to launch a nationwide responsible gaming campaign aimed at educating young people about the dangers of problem gambling and promoting safer gaming habits.
Last week, the GBT advertised job openings for vital roles such as Inspection and Compliance Manager, Communication Officer, and Accountant, indicating a commitment to building a more robust regulatory framework.
Source: TheCitizen/Focus
