Tanzania Plans 5% Betting Stake Tax to Raise TZS74.5bn in Additional Revenue

Tanzania is moving ahead with plans to introduce a 5% excise duty on betting stakes, a measure included in the 2026/27 national budget.

Read more Man City Premier League fixtures: Start and run-in for the 2026/27 season

Finance Minister Khamis Mussa Omar announced the proposal during his budget speech to the National Assembly in Dodoma on June 11, outlining that the levy will apply across sports betting, casinos, slot machines and virtual games. 

The government expects the new tax to generate TZS74.5bn (US$29m) in additional revenue, while also strengthening oversight of the gambling sector. According to the minister, the duty will be charged on the value of bets placed, covering both land‑based and online gambling activities. 

Gambling regulator to receive 10% of new revenue

Under Tanzania’s 2026/27 budget plan, a portion of the new betting stake tax will be directed to the Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT). 

10% of the revenue collected from the levy is earmarked for the regulator, with the government stating it will be used to “improve efficiency and regulation of gambling activities.” The measure is designed not only to strengthen oversight but also to reduce the social impact of gambling, particularly addiction.

The budget speech explained that the allocation is intended to encourage young people to focus on “productive economic pursuits” rather than betting. 

Read more Arsenal Premier League fixtures: Start and run-in for the 2026/27 season

Tanzania’s gambling market continue to expand 

Tanzania’s gambling industry is still on the rise, and the government’s new betting stake levy comes at a time when the sector is contributing more than ever to public revenue. 

Analysis from Tax and Investment Consultants Group Limited (TICGL) highlights that the proposed 5% duty is different from existing taxes because it targets the value of each bet placed, rather than operator revenue or player winnings. This marks the first time an excise duty would be charged directly on betting stakes.

The measure is part of a broader fiscal plan aimed at lifting tax revenue to 13.7% of GDP in 2026/27, up from 13.2% projected for 2025/26. The timing reflects the strength of the gambling market, which the Gaming Board of Tanzania reported had already delivered TZS260.21bn (US$101m) in government revenue during 2024/25.  

The industry also supports more than 30,000 jobs across the country, both directly and indirectly.

Read more Betfred to Pause Irish Operations Ahead of New Licensing Rules

Source: Focus Gaming News