Tanzanian parents urged to curb minors’ access to PlayStation betting games
What you need to know:
- The Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT) has cautioned parents and guardians to vigilantly monitor children’s PlayStation use due to exploitation risks linked to gambling
Dar es Salaam. The Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT) has urged parents and guardians to closely monitor children’s use of PlayStation games, warning that some are being exploited for gambling.
The caution came on August 12, 2025, from GBT Acting Director General Daniel Olesumayan during a media editors’ meeting organised by the Treasury Registrar’s Office.
The session aimed to raise awareness about gambling activities and clarify the board’s role in regulation.
Mr Olesumayan emphasised that children must be kept away from gambling, placing the primary responsibility on parents to supervise their children’s use of gadgets.
“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.
He revealed that in the 2024/25 financial year, GBT registered 62 gambling companies and issued 8,549 licences, including those for the National Lottery.
A single company may hold multiple licences due to operating various gambling types like slot machines and sports betting across several outlets.
“The sector’s tax revenue surged by 97 percent, from Sh131.9 billion in 2020/21 to Sh260 billion in 2024/25,” Mr Olesumayan noted.
“Given that bets can be as low as Sh1,000, this growth is remarkable.”
Over five years, the sector has generated a total of Sh992 billion in revenue. Foreign direct investment in the last two years contributed around Sh66.6 billion.
“Most investors are foreign, and this sector has become a significant source of foreign exchange, especially during times of shortages,” he said.
Tourists visiting gambling venues also add to foreign currency inflows.
The gambling sector also supports sports through sponsorships and infrastructure development, contributing Sh44.6 billion over five years.
By law, 5 percent of gaming tax revenues from sports betting go to the National Sports Council (BMT), amounting to Sh9.2 billion in the past four years.
Despite progress, GBT faces challenges with unregistered slot machines operating illegally, often allowing children to participate and damaging the sector’s reputation.
Looking ahead, GBT plans to use technology to improve sector management, enhance staff capacity for oversight, and establish zonal offices to strengthen regulation nationwide as gambling activities expand.
