Best betting sites in Tanzania

Population: 59.083.608
Active players: 19.900.000
Currency: Tanzanian shilling (TZS)
Regulated gambling products: Sports betting, horse racing, casino games, lottery, bingo
Operator types: Licensed online & land-based bookmakers and casinos / international bookies operating without license
Designated authority: Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT)
Status: Regulated

Tanzania does not make it in the news often, yet it has some of the most iconic sites in Africa. Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain on the continent, lies in the northeastern, while three of Africa’s Great Lakes are located in the country. A developing economy, Tanzania has one of the highest internet penetration rates in Africa (around 50%), which has helped online gambling flourish.

All gambling activities are regulated by the Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT), and online betting has been considered legal since 2003 and the enactment of the Gaming Act Cap. 41. The GBT is also responsible for issuing licenses to online betting operators. The legislation stipulates that locals can only play on licensed betting sites in Tanzania; however, most opt for an international bookie due to the lax restrictions.

Betting in Tanzania - 5 things to know

• The legal gambling age stands at 18 years
• The 2003 Gaming Act Cap. 41 legalized all forms of gambling
• All licensed operators are taxed 25% on their GGR
• A 15% tax applies on the bettors’ net winnings
• Players are not prosecuted for betting on international bookies

Best Tanzania betting sites

The fact is that most Tanzanians choose an offshore sportsbook over a local one. Higher odds and better bonuses are the main reasons. So, pick any of the following bookmakers Tanzania offers to start strong.

Online gambling in Tanzania: The law framework

The latest gambling bill passed in 2003 (Gaming Act Cap. 41), was followed by several amendments, most recently in 2019. Aside from creating the Gaming Board of Tanzania, provisions include the conditions of granting a license and setting the tax rates. Very few licenses were awarded initially, driving many locals to gamble on online betting companies in Tanzania that are actually based overseas.

Applicants on the GBT have to go through a background check and pay the relevant fees depending on the kind of license they want. There are six types of licenses (Casinos, Sports Betting, SMS Lottery, National Lottery, Slots (Route) Operations and Forty Machines Site) with different tax rates. There is a 25% GGR tax for online betting Tanzania sites, while the minimum investment capital varies by location. Tanzanian bookies have to pay $300,000 and foreign $500,000.

You have likely figured that authorities do not clamp down on offshore bookies, and that is true. Tanzania has a lot of slack in gambling laws as players have no issue accessing non locally regulated Tanzania betting companies. Even a VPN is not necessary as ISPs do not block any domains. Moreover, there is zero legal backlash or fees if you choose to play on a non-licensed sportsbook.

Another incentive to avoid local betting companies in Tanzania is the tax rate. A 15% tax on net winnings can hamper your bankroll, while a flat zero awaits on the opposite side. Also, despite the vetting process, licensed sportsbooks have a history of poor service. We are aware of several mishaps regarding late payouts and incorrect bet settlements, which took a while to fix.

Legal Tanzania betting companies

Almost all the betting sites that legally operate in the country are domestic, except for Meridianbet. Premier Bet, betPawa, Mkekabet, M-Bet and SportPesa constitute some of the most prominent examples of local licensees. Nonetheless, there are many popular international bookies that operate freely in the local market, despite the fact that they don’t have a permit. It is worth noting that no legal action has ever been taken against them. Furthermore, players who prefer betting on them, due to their higher odds and greater promotions, are not prosecuted by the authorities.

Betting companies in Tanzania with no tax

Bettors search for ways to bypass the 15% tax that applies on their net winnings. Those who opt for the licensed bookies must pay the aforementioned tax. However, those who place their bets on non-licensed international betting companies, such as 1xBet, are not taxed on their winnings. This happens due to the fact that all the major foreign brands don’t fall under the Tanzanian state jurisdiction. Therefore, they are not obliged to impose the 15% monthly tax on their players’ winnings.

The most popular deposit methods on domestic betting sites are Vodacom M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, Airtel Money, HaloPesa and Ezypesa. All five are local mobile payments by the country’s top telecommunication companies, namely Vodacom, Tigo, Airtel, Halotel and Zantel. The issue is that very few online betting Tanzania sites accept those methods.

You can use a traditional option like a credit or debit card from Visa and Mastercard to bypass that. E-wallets like Skrill and Neteller are also available, and if you are into cryptocurrencies, more good news. You can freely use them if your sportsbook takes them. Since TZS is likely not available as a currency, we should stress that you might be subject to conversion fees.

The future of online betting in Tanzania

The betting market in Tanzania has seen an influx of applicants for a local license after the latest regulatory revisions. Despite the 25% GGR tax, the total online gambling revenue expects to hit $31m by 2023, which can be a considerable incentive. If tighter controls are put in place (like it has been said), then a license will be the only means for any betting company in Tanzania to keep active.

All these could take some time, though. For the time being, non locally licensed sportsbooks have a better overall product. So, whether you are a high-roller or a recreational bettor, stick with them, but have your eyes open. Some new entries shortly could bring some exciting competition.

The complete list of bookmakers in Tanzania

Now, you should be confident of picking your next betting company in Tanzania and place some wager. We will make it even easier for you as we lay out the best bookies in terms of odds, markets and bonuses. Choose any of our list and brace for some good profits.