Obtain A Gaming Licence in Tanzania: A Guide from Casino Market
In just a few years, Tanzania has become a key centre of the African entertainment industry. The country offers clear regulations, a transparent tax system, and a well-developed IT infrastructure.
Casino Market experts explain how to obtain a licence and launch a betting startup in this region.
Features of the Local Industry
The provision of entertainment services is a completely legitimate activity.
Legal Types of Gaming
In Tanzania, almost all formats are permitted, including:
- Land-based casinos. Entrepreneurs can open classic halls with roulette, cards, and slots.
- Digital platforms. Virtual slots and table games are subject to licensing.
- Betting. Bookmakers can accept bids both virtually and in offline locations or terminals.
- Raffles. This segment is represented by national, charity, and SMS lotteries, as well as promotional sweepstakes with instant winner determination.
- Land-based gaming cabinets. Operators must obtain a separate permit if they plan to place their equipment outside of casinos.
- Other formats. Local products (for example, Forty Machines) and hybrid entertainment that fall under the definition of betting.
Legislative Framework
The GBT is the key authority responsible for issuing certificates and supervising licensed entrepreneurs.
The regulator works according to the Gaming Act (Cap. 41) and the following legal provisions:
- Gaming Regulations — general licensing terms;
- Sports Betting Rules — requirements for land-based bookmakers and virtual platforms;
- Gaming Advertising Code of Practice — standards for the placement of advertising materials.
These documents define what forms of entertainment for money are allowed, how to apply for a permit, and what is required for the inspection of providers. The regulations also specify penalties for violating licensing rules.
How Traditional and Online Gambling Are Developed
Tanzania is interesting because both land-based casinos (clubs, halls with slot machines, sports pubs) and digital platforms successfully work here.
International operators are increasingly registering subsidiaries to legally and quickly enter the local market. Betway, 1xBet, Parimatch Africa, and other brands have already opened physical facilities and virtual portals in the region.
Offline Segment
According to Statista, the land-based entertainment niche is estimated at $262.5 million in 2025. The main audience includes tourists, as well as middle-aged and older people who prefer traditional betting.
Casinos and gaming halls can be found in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Dodoma, and other cities. The largest establishment in the country is Princess Casino Tanzania. It contains 140 slot machines and 17 tables for playing cards and roulette.
The GBT strictly observes compliance with safety requirements. Before an entertainment location is opened, the authority conducts a site inspection and evaluates the company’s financial stability. All equipment must be certified. Furthermore, transactions and tax revenues must be recorded.
iGaming Format
The digital casino sector is the fastest-growing one in Tanzania.
According to Statista:
- gross gaming revenue (GGR) in the online niche is expected to reach $77.37 million by the end of 2025, reaching $101.34 million already in 5 years;
- 56% of the population (approximately 39.5 million people) have placed bids online;
- approximately 75% of all players are young people aged 18 to 34;
- sports betting accounts for 63% of the digital market, casinos — 20%, poker — 10%, and eSports — 7%.
The growth of the iGaming segment can be explained by the rapid spread of smartphones and mobile internet connections, attractive bonus programs, and promotions. Wagering is often seen as a modern format of leisure.
Players also note the convenience of registering and making deposits on Internet platforms. Instant payments are supported by M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, Airtel Money, and other local providers.
Currently, the use of cryptocurrencies in Tanzania is unregulated. Due to the lack of specific rules, no legal operators in the country work with digital assets.
How to Obtain a Permit to Launch an iGaming Project
The GBT is responsible for granting licences to virtual casinos and bookmakers. Documents are issued based on the Gaming Act and the Gaming (Internet Gaming) Regulations, which came into force in July 2022.
Key requirements for entrepreneurs include:
- certification of software;
- implementation of AML and KYC systems;
- payment localisation (some transactions must be effected through local banks).
Let us take a look at what is required to obtain a licence.
Preparatory Work
Operators must register a legal entity in Tanzania or open a subsidiary (provided that the brand is international).
The GBT also requires the participation of local investors in the launch and development of iGaming startups. One of the possible collaboration formats is a contract with a hosting company based in the country.
Collection of Documents and Creation of a Business Plan
Project owners must prepare information on the founders, shareholders, and managers. Each responsible person must go through a due diligence check. The focus is on a clean criminal record, monetary stability, and reputation.
The business plan must include the following data:
- description of services (online casino, betting, lotteries, poker);
- characteristics of the niche;
- marketing (advertising, bonus programs, and methods of getting traffic);
- financial projections for 5 years.
The technical documentation must include the parameters and features of the platform, software, gaming system, settlement methods, and data protection mechanisms.
Sending an Application
It is possible to submit paperwork through the GLICA (Gaming Licensing, Inspection, and Compliance Application) portal, where operators also need to pay a fee.
The GBT website has a Resources/Downloads section. It describes all forms of licensing and outlines the requirements for each type of document.
Inspection and Testing
After filing an application, the authority conducts a comprehensive inspection of entrepreneurs. It analyses the provided materials, assesses the reliability of owners, as well as their solvency, and explores technical systems.
After a successful inspection, the GBT grants a permit in the previously selected category.
Businessmen can obtain an Internet Casino Licence or an Internet Sports Betting Licence. The document is issued for 1 year but can be renewed.
Expenses and Taxes
The costs of registering a certificate include:
- $40,000 — the annual fee for online casino operation;
- $30,000 — the annual charge for online sportsbook management;
- $400 — must be paid for the application itself.
The GBT also sets minimum registered capital requirements: $300,000 for local firms and $500,000 for foreign companies.
Fiscal liabilities for iGaming brands in Tanzania include:
- Tax on winnings. The rate is 10% of the prizes. Reduced tariffs are available for land-based casinos and betting shops. Operators should withhold and transfer these payments to the state treasury.
- GGR. Legal online portals pay 25% of their gross revenue.
- Levy for non-residents. Foreigners may have to deduct an additional 15% tax.
Rates frequently change with the release of annual Finance Act regulations. Therefore, before launching a project, it is important to contact an appropriate specialist.
Practical Tips for Licence Applicants
Casino Market experts have prepared useful recommendations for operators.
Contact GBT in Advance
The regulator has a positive attitude toward preliminary consultations.
During the meeting, entrepreneurs can:
- present their iGaming projects;
- clarify whether the chosen business format complies with the selected licence category (online casino, betting, lotteries);
- learn about relevant changes in the market.
It is possible to book a consultation through the GLICA portal or in person at the regulator's office in Dar es Salaam.
Prepare a Full Set of Documents
The GBT takes data verification seriously. The more detailed and transparent the information, the fewer questions the regulator will have in the future. Incomplete or inaccurate applications are often returned without consideration.
Documents that entrepreneurs may need:
- business plan;
- financial guarantees (reporting, bank statements, documents that explain the origin of funds);
- CVs of managers and directors;
- tax status certificate (Tanzania Revenue Authority);
- technical file;
- information about the payment solutions used.
Test Software in Advance
The regulator requires all gaming products (slots, roulette, and RNG) to have certificates of conformity.
The documents confirm:
- correct operation of the random number generator;
- protection against manipulation;
- fairness and transparency of the gameplay;
- the presence of mechanisms that guarantee an adequate attitude toward the placement of bets.
It is best to send the software for testing before submitting the application. This will help you obtain a permit and launch an iGaming project faster.
Independent certifications can be received from Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), BMM Testlabs, eCOGRA, and other accreditation centres.
Be Prepared for an On-Site Verification
After the necessary documents are filed, GBT may conduct:
- an audit of the IT infrastructure (servers and data protection systems);
- an analysis of corporate documentation;
- interviews with directors and key staff;
- review of funding sources.
In some cases, representatives of the regulator personally visit the company's office to ensure that all processes are actually functioning, not just on paper.
Current Trends and Market Updates
Let us consider how gambling is developing in Tanzania.
Strengthening of Control Over Ads
In 2025, the GBT issued a revised regulation, The Gaming Advertising Code of Practice.
Key provisions of the document include:
- it is prohibited to promote bets and casinos during morning hours;
- marketing activities must contain warnings about the risks associated with ludomania;
- sports stars and celebrities cannot talk about gambling without indicating the “18+” mark.
For violations of the regulation, the authority may suspend the validity of a licence or impose penalties.
Localisation and Participation of Tanzania’s Capital
The government is actively promoting the following kind of involvement:
- companies obtaining a permit must have shares of local investors (25–40% of the brand’s value);
- the use of Tanzanian banks and payment systems (Tigo Pesa, Airtel Money, and others) is encouraged;
- operators must create jobs for the country’s citizens.
This approach reflects the long-term Local Empowerment Policy, which was announced in 2020.
The Main Things about Obtaining a Casino Licence in Tanzania
Today, the jurisdiction is considered a legal and promising entertainment market.
Key aspects that entrepreneurs should take into account:
- All gambling formats are permitted here, including land-based and online casinos, bookmaking, poker, and lotteries. A separate permit valid for 1 year is required for each type of activity.
- To receive the necessary document, a legal entity must be registered in Tanzania, a business plan should be prepared, and key employees need to undergo a security check. Operators must offer local payment systems and obtain certificates of compliance for equipment and software.
The Casino Market studio can help you register, launch, and promote an iGaming startup. From us, it is also possible to order a turnkey portal, a White Label platform, and program components for betting, lottery, or poker solutions.
Have questions or want to order services?
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- e-mail: manager@casino-market.com
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