Tanzania is slowly emerging as a prominent player in the online gambling market in East Africa. With a growing population and increasing internet access, more Tanzanians are exploring online casinos, sports betting, and other forms of gambling. However, to enter this market, gambling operators need to understand the licensing requirements, costs, and additional services necessary to go live. This post outlines the process of obtaining a gambling licence in Tanzania and the critical steps operators need to take before launching.
Gambling Licence in Tanzania
The Tanzanian government has established clear regulations for land-based gambling operations, which include casinos, lottery, and sports betting. However, the online gambling market is less regulated. Currently, there is no dedicated body for online gambling licences, and operators seeking to enter the market may need to navigate through the existing gaming commission, which oversees both land-based and online gaming activities.
Costs and Timeline for a Gambling Licence
Obtaining a gambling licence in Tanzania is a complex process. The costs associated with acquiring a licence can vary depending on the type of gambling operation (casino, sports betting, etc.). For a standard licence, the fees can range between $5,000 and $15,000, which includes legal fees and compliance costs. The application process can take anywhere from 3-6 months, depending on the level of scrutiny and the thoroughness of the submission.
In comparison to other African nations, Tanzania’s licensing process is relatively straightforward, though the absence of specific online gambling laws can make it uncertain and potentially risky for operators.
Services Required Before Going Live
Once a licence is obtained, gambling operators in Tanzania will need to ensure they have the following services in place:
- Payment Solutions: Operators must ensure they integrate with Tanzanian mobile payment services such as M-Pesa and Tigo Pesa for deposits and withdrawals.
- Gaming Software Providers: Reliable gaming software that is secure and user-friendly is necessary for smooth operation.
- Cybersecurity Infrastructure: Given the limited regulatory framework, operators need to ensure their platforms are secure to protect user data and financial transactions.
- Customer Support: As gambling can be a sensitive issue, operators must provide a robust customer service system, ideally in Swahili, to cater to Tanzanian users.