The Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT)is the statutory body mandated to regulate, supervise, and control gaming activities in Tanzania. It was established in 2003 under the Gaming Act No. 4 of 2003, which introduced a comprehensive legal framework for the licensing and oversight of casinos, sports betting, lotteries, slot machines, and other gaming operations. The creation of GBT marked the transition from fragmented regulatory arrangements to a centralized, professional system for managing the gaming sector.

Industry Transformation

The gaming industry in Tanzania was previously regulated under the Pools and Lotteries Act, 1967 and the National Lotteries Act, 1974. Until the onset of economic reforms in 1985, only national lottery was conducted as a significant gaming activity in Tanzania by the defunct National Lotteries. The economic liberalization policy and reform programs, and particularly the enactment of the National Investments Promotions and Protection Act of 1992, stimulated investment projects in hotel and leisure industry. These laws operated independently, with limited regulatory coordination and minimal sector oversight. The continued economic reforms necessitated the formulation of the National Policy on Gaming Activities and subsequently enactment of the Gaming Act Cap. 41. The Gaming Act Cap 41 consolidated these fragmented provisions and vested regulatory authority in a single body responsible for licensing, standards setting, compliance monitoring, and protection of public interest.

Growth of the Sector, Regulatory Strengthening and Modernization

As the gaming industry expanded geographically and technologically, GBT strengthened its supervisory role through structured compliance reviews, licence renewals based on performance, and enhanced due diligence for applicants, also introduced technical standards for gaming systems, certification requirements, and monitoring tools to improve regulatory effectiveness. Greater emphasis was placed on transparency, accountability, and proper reporting by licensed operators to ensure the sector operated within the law and contributed appropriately to public revenue.

Current Status

The Gaming Board of Tanzania is more than 20 years old and continues to serve as the principal regulator of gaming in mainland Tanzania. Its core functions center on licensing, regulatory oversight, compliance monitoring, standards setting, and promotion of responsible gaming. Through ongoing policy refinement and stakeholder collaboration, GBT remains committed to ensuring that gaming activities operate in a lawful, transparent, and well-regulated environment.