Tanzania's gaming tax take hits TZS307.8 billion as regulator plans a self-exclusion database
The Gaming Board of Tanzania says the gaming sector generated TZS307.8 billion (about US$116.2 million) in tax in the financial year to June 2026, with online games now the biggest revenue source. The board also plans an electronic central database for self-excluded players and wants to block unregulated online platforms.
South Africa has no licensed remote casino regime, so offshore sites that accept South African players sit outside local oversight. Tanzania shows how a neighbouring regulator is trying to deal with the same mix of mobile betting, digital payments and cross-border online operators. It does not change South African law, and nothing here is a rating or endorsement of any operator.
What the regulator reported
Trade outlet iGaming Business published an interview on 30 October 2026 with James Mbalwe, director general of the Gaming Board of Tanzania. He said the gaming sector produced TZS307.8 billion in tax revenue (about US$116.2 million) in the financial year that ended in June 2026.
He credited the growth to wider smartphone access, simpler digital payments for staking and withdrawals, and a young population used to digital entertainment. The figures come from the regulator's own director general as reported by the outlet; we have not seen a published board statement with the same numbers.
Online now leads revenue
Mbalwe said that before 2016 most revenue came from land-based casinos, followed by slot machines. That has shifted, and revenue from online games is now the largest share. He also said a proposed 5% excise duty on betting stakes was shelved, so the tax position is unchanged.
Enforcement and player protection plans
- More than 3,000 illegal slot machines were seized in the last financial year, according to Mbalwe, who said illegal operators have moved into remote areas that are harder to police.
- Self-exclusion currently works through a manual process in which details and photos are circulated to operators. The board wants an electronic central database, to be procured through a public-private partnership.
- He said the Gaming Act has limited coverage of responsible gambling and player protection.
- The board works with the communications regulator, police cybercrime staff and mobile companies to identify and block unregulated online platforms.
What it means for South African players
The story is context rather than a rule change. Regulators across Africa are moving towards central monitoring and tougher action on unlicensed online sites, while South Africa still has no licensed online casinos. Our South Africa guide explains the difference between a site that is not licensed here and one that accepts South African players. Gambling is entertainment with a real risk of loss, and it is not a way to make money.
What to watch next
Mbalwe named electronic monitoring and action against illegal operations as the board's priorities for the next 12 months. Tanzania is also due to host the Gaming Regulatory Africa Forum in 2027, where he said the agenda should include illegal online operations, platform providers and taxation.