How online betting is reshaping Tanzania’s gambling landscape

With the rapid expansion of mobile internet access, fuelled by affordable smartphones and competitive data packages, platforms such as SportPesa, Meridianbet and Betika are redefining how Tanzanians place their bets, from football matches to virtual slot games.

According to GeoPoll’s Betting in Africa survey published in April 2025, six African countries collectively account for over 440 million sports bettors, underscoring the sector’s growing cultural and economic significance.

Nigeria tops the list, with 71 percent of its population engaged in betting. This translates into an estimated 168 million people.

South Africa follows with a staggering 90 percent participation rate, amounting to 58.3 million bettors.

In Kenya, 79 percent of the population, or 55.5 million people, have placed bets.

Uganda also reports high engagement at 87 percent (44.7 million), while Tanzania stands at 56 percent participation, representing 39.5 million people. Ghana rounds out the group, with 56 percent or 19.6 million bettors.

From casino halls to smartphone screens

In Tanzania’s urban centres, including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Mwanza, the allure of walking into a traditional casino or gaming shop is gradually fading, especially among younger players.

For a generation raised on smartphones, convenience is key.

Eliud Massawe, 30, has been betting for eight years but has never stepped into a physical casino.

“All I need is a phone with internet. The apps are online, which means I can place bets from the comfort of my room,” he says.

Online betting platforms operate 24/7, often featuring flashy promotions and user-friendly interfaces.

There's no need to travel to a casino or betting shop, placing a wager is now just a tap away.

In rural areas, where formal gaming establishments are scarce, digital platforms are filling the void, broadening access to betting services nationwide.

Still, traditional casinos maintain a loyal customer base, particularly among middle-aged and older patrons who appreciate the social atmosphere of gaming halls and the security of face-to-face transactions.

According to the Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT), the gambling industry generated over Sh212 billion in revenue during the 2023/24 financial year, with the majority now stemming from online platforms.

The government has set a revenue target of Sh322.02 billion from the gambling sector in the current fiscal year, as outlined in the national budget speech.

Tanzania currently has 54 licensed gaming operators overseeing 91 licensed operations. However, GBT reports that more than 70 percent of all bets placed in 2023 were made online, a clear indication of the industry's digital shift.

This transformation is a double-edged sword for employment.

While physical betting outlets provide thousands of jobs, ranging from attendants and security staff to cashiers, online platforms require fewer but more technically skilled workers, such as software engineers, data analysts, and remote customer support teams.

“The industry is evolving, but we need to ask whether our workforce is evolving with it,” says a Dar es Salaam-based analyst in the gaming sector.

Online platforms are leveraging advanced technologies to retain and grow their user base. Live betting features, integration with mobile money services (such as M-Pesa, Mixx by Yas, and Airtel Money), and instant payout mechanisms are key draws.

Some international betting firms are experimenting with AI-powered predictions, while local companies are piloting virtual reality games to enhance engagement.

In response, traditional casinos in Tanzania are beginning to digitise their operations—introducing cashless payment options and automating parts of their gaming experience.

However, limited capital investment and slow regulatory reform may hinder their transition.

Regulating digital betting has proven challenging.

While the Gaming Board has implemented digital licensing and taxation frameworks, the fast-moving nature of online betting means regulatory gaps persist.

Some online platforms, particularly those operating from offshore jurisdictions, may bypass local laws, complicating efforts to collect revenue and protect consumers.

Meanwhile, land-based casinos are subject to routine inspections and stricter compliance protocols.

Stakeholders are calling for a harmonised regulatory approach to create a level playing field and promote responsible betting.

Social implications

The accessibility and anonymity of online betting heighten the risk of gambling addiction, especially among youth.

A 2023 study by the Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF) found a sharp rise in online betting among Tanzanians aged 18–35, with many spending a significant portion of their income on betting apps.

Unlike physical casinos, which often have built-in social monitoring, online platforms offer limited real-time intervention.

Mental health experts warn that this could lead to increased cases of gambling addiction and financial distress among vulnerable groups if unaddressed.

To remain relevant, some Tanzanian casinos and gaming lounges are adopting hybrid models, launching online extensions of their services.

Others are investing in experiential gaming to differentiate themselves, offering themed nights, live music, and sports bar integrations.

“There’s still a market for physical casinos,” says a manager at a Dar es Salaam casino who spoke on condition of anonymity.

 “But we need to evolve, offer more than just betting. Create memorable nights.”

He adds that while loyal patrons continue to visit, the younger corporate crowd prefers betting via apps.

Casinos that embrace digital features, such as app-based loyalty programmes or live streamed games, may succeed in bridging both worlds.

While online betting platforms are here to stay, traditional casinos continue to hold value as entertainment centres and tourist attractions.

The future likely lies in coexistence, with each model serving different demographics and offering distinct experiences.