Tanzania Gaming Board Warns Families About Risks Posed by Betting on PlayStation Games

The Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT) has warned parents about the risks posed by betting on PlayStation games, urging families to take action.

Last week, Daniel Olesumayan, Acting Director General of GBT, addressed the issue during a meeting with media editors organised by the Treasury Registrar’s Office.

The gathering aimed to increase awareness about gambling activities and clarify the GBT’s regulatory responsibilities. Olesumayan stressed the importance of keeping children away from gambling, highlighting that it is primarily the parents’ duty to supervise their children’s gadget usage.

“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.

The growth of Tanzania’s gambling industry is evident, with the GBT registering 62 companies and issuing a remarkable 8549 licenses in the 2024/25 financial year.

This number includes licenses for various activities, such as the National Lottery and sports betting, with some companies holding multiple licenses to operate different types of gambling across various locations.

“The sector’s tax revenue surged by 97 percent, from Sh131.9 billion in 2020/21 to Sh260 billion in 2024/25,” Mr Olesumayan said.

He also noted that the ability to place bets as low as Sh1000 has contributed to the impressive growth.

Even with recent advancements, the GBT still faces significant challenges, particularly with illegal slot machines that operate without registration. These machines often attract children, posing risks not only to minors but also to the integrity of the gambling sector.

To tackle these issues, GBT is looking to the future with plans to utilise technology for better management of the industry and also enhance the skills of staff for more effective oversight. The regulator has also established more zonal offices and recently banned foreigners from operating slot machines.

Additionally, the board is set to launch a nationwide responsible gaming campaign aimed at educating young people about the dangers of problem gambling and promoting safer gaming habits.