Tanzania’s online gambling market is picking up serious momentum in 2025, driven by mobile-first innovation, wider internet access, and an evolving regulatory framework. With an estimated 7 million active players and growing demand for digital convenience, the industry is becoming a major force in East Africa.
Local operators like MeridianBet Tanzania and SportPesa TZ remain major players, offering sportsbook and casino games via mobile-friendly platforms. Meanwhile, international brands such as Betway, 1xBet, and Premier Bet continue to expand their user base, luring Tanzanians with bigger jackpots, international game libraries, and aggressive welcome offers.
Mobile technology is at the heart of this growth. From sleek Android apps to USSD and SMS betting, platforms are fine-tuned for low-data and offline functionality. “In Tanzania, your phone is your casino,” says a Dar es Salaam tech analyst. “And it doesn’t have to be a smartphone.”
Mobile money services like M-Pesa and Tigo Pesa dominate the payments space, offering instant deposits and withdrawals with minimal friction. Some platforms are now integrating cryptocurrency wallets for deposits, a growing trend among tech-savvy players in urban areas.
The Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT) continues to hold the regulatory line, emphasizing compliance, responsible gaming, and fair taxation. In 2025, enforcement around licensing and anti-money laundering has tightened, but operators say the framework remains manageable. “It’s strict, but fair,” a local sportsbook CEO noted. “There’s room for growth, as long as you play by the rules.”
The total market value is projected to reach TZS 1.2 trillion in bets this year, with online betting accounting for over 60% of total gambling activity. Popular verticals include football betting, virtual sports, online slots, and crash games like Aviator.
As the competition heats up and Tanzanians demand more mobile, more speed, and more trust, online gambling in the country is shifting from the shadows into the spotlight. It’s a sector to watch—especially if innovation continues to outpace regulation.
