Tanzania gambling industry set for growth

Media outlets in Tanzania claim that the domestic gambling industry is set for growth, with tax collections up 18 percent in financial 2017-18 as the number of operators seeking licenses grows.

The Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT) has projected fast growth from which the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) could harvest Sh39 billion, up from Sh33.6 billion collected in the last financial year.

James Mbalwe, acting director general at the GBT, told reporters last week that the number of gaming companies had increased from five in the past three years to 26.

“We are optimistic of increased revenues as currently there are four more foreign and local companies that have shown interest in Tanzania. All the processes have already been completed with only a few issues remaining to be ironed out. We’re optimistic that in the next year they will begin their operations”.

Mbalwe said that public interest in sports betting has grown thanks to the advent of online betting, which has brought wagering services closer to players.  He revealed that last year revenues from sports betting hit Sh7.8 billion, whilst land casino revenues delivered Sh400 million.

Nevertheless, casino gambling was performing well, he said.

In the lottery vertical the market is currently led by Biko, followed by SportPesa, revenue in this sector last month reached Sh2 billion, Mbalwe revealed.

Investors were showing increased interest in the local industry, Mbalwe claimed, concluding that the GBT has plans to invest Sh824.4 million in technology development to keep pace with operators and the business generally.

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