How transformative online betting has been for Tanzania
Even as the growth of online betting follows the international trend, its impacts in Tanzania appear as localised impacts on sources of revenue, employment opportunities, and social practices; thus, it requires the intervention of entrepreneurs and policymakers.
Dar es Salaam. The advent of online betting is quietly transforming the gaming market in Tanzania, thereby threatening the dominance of conventional gaming houses and driving the industry into the online market.
While the trend has a universal nature, its consequences in Tanzania are primarily of internal relevance, impacting sources of revenue, employment, and social customs. Thus, it requires the attention of politicians, the corporate world, and the general public.
The affordability of relatively inexpensive smartphones and low-cost data plans has facilitated significant growth in access to mobile internet. The innovation has also influenced operators to revolutionise the betting culture among Tanzanians, shifting from traditional football matches to virtual slots.
According to , six African countries collectively account for over 440 million players, underscoring the industry’s growing cultural and economic significance.
Nigeria holds the top spot in the statistics, with 71% of the population engaged in betting activity. This translates to about 168 million people.
South Africa has a 90% participation rate, which translates to 58.3 million punters.
In Kenya, 79% of the population, or 55.5 million people, have placed bets.
Uganda also reports high engagement at 87% (44.7 million), while Tanzania stands at 56% participation, representing 39.5 million people. Ghana rounds out the group, with 56% or 19.6 million players.
From gaming halls to screens
These gaming houses or land 바카라s have experienced a declining trend in visitations in the main cities of Tanzania, such as Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Mwanza, particularly among young gamblers. Convenience matters most for the generation that grew up with smartphones.
Eliud Massawe, 30, has been betting for eight years but has never stepped into a physical 바카라. “All I need is a telephone handset with an internet connection. The application exists on the internet and thus I comfortably place my bets from my room,” he says.
Internet gambling websites operate around the clock and offer appealing offers and user-friendly interfaces. One need not even visit a betting house or gambling den in person; betting is now readily available with just a simple touch. In rural areas, where formal gaming establishments are scarce, digital platforms are filling the void, broadening access to betting services nationwide.
However, conventional 바카라s still enjoy a loyal clientele especially among the middle-aged and elderly players, who appreciate the social experience of the gambling halls and the security of face-to-face transactions. Reports from the Tanzania Gaming Board (GBT) indicate that the gambling industry generated a surplus of 17.42bn TZS ($6.7 million) in the financial year 2024/25, with the majority of the revenue coming from the online segment. A revenue target of 24.89bn TZS ($10 million) from the gaming sector has been set for the financial year 2025/2026, based on the annual budget speech.
Tanzania currently has 54 licensed gaming operators running a combined 91 licensed operations. However, the GBT has stated that over 70% of all bets placed in 2023 took place online, reflecting a clear industry trend toward the shift to online channels.
Tanzania’s double-edged sword
This revolution poses a two-sided effect on work opportunities. Land 바카라s provide a varying range of job opportunities, ranging from attendants to cashiers and security guards. In comparison, websites require minimal personnel who must be highly technical and possess superior computer skills, such as software developers, statisticians, and online customer representatives. A Dar es Salaam-based analyst who works in the gaming industry comments thus on the industry: “The industry is transforming, but the question remains if our labour market is keeping pace.”
These online betting websites utilise sophisticated technology to attract and retain the user population. The main features of live betting, including the integration of mobile money services (such as M-Pesa, Mixx by Yas, and Airtel Money) and instant payment systems, play a crucial role in popularising them.
Some international betting firms are experimenting with AI-powered predictions, while local companies are piloting virtual reality games to enhance engagement.
As a reaction, Tanzanian land-based 바카라s are taking steps toward digitalisation through the integration of cashless transactions and mechanising elements of the gaming experience. However, limited capital investment and slower regulatory change might hamper the process. Regulating digital betting has proven to be quite tricky.
Even as the implements virtual licensing and taxation arrangements, the rapidly evolving online betting environment continues to create regulatory gaps. Some websites, particularly those based in offshore jurisdictions, may be able to evade domestic regulations, making revenue collection and consumer protection challenging. Land-based 바카라s also fall under routine regulation and are subject to higher levels of compliance. Stakeholders emphasise the need for an integrated regulatory system that supports fair standards and responsible gaming.
Social implications
This mix of anonymity and accessibility makes online betting prone to but not incurable from gambling problems among the youth. A 2023 report by the indicated a sharp increase in online betting among Tanzanians aged 18 to 35, with many people spending a significant percentage of their earnings on betting applications.
Unlike ground-based 바카라s that often integrate built-in social control measures, virtual worlds offer limited opportunities for intervention. Mental health professionals warn that inaction over the matter will only worsen the rate of gambling dependency and financial struggles among vulnerable communities.
To remain relevant, some 바카라s and gaming houses in Tanzania are introducing the hybrid model through online extensions of their services. A few businesses offer experiential gaming as a means of brand differentiation, featuring themed nights, live concerts, and partnerships with sports bars.
“A physical 바카라 market still exists,” says a Dar es Salaam 바카라 manager. “But we need to evolve, offer more than just betting. Create memorable nights.” He also maintains that even with the existing patronage from loyal clients, the younger corporate clients prefer betting through applications. Digital-integrated 바카라s, featuring application-based rewards and live game transmission, have the potential to create value by integrating the two worlds.
Is coexistence in the stars for Tanzania?
Even with the advent of virtual betting platforms as a mainstay of the gambling industry, the traditional 바카라s remain vital entertainment and tourism hubs.
Their future will be marked by coexistence and models designed to appeal to diverse demographics, offering unique experiences. Although the growth of online betting is down the international path, its impact on Tanzania is uniquely domestic. It impacts revenue flows, jobs, and social activity in ways that require attention from officials and operators alike.
