Online poker is legal and regulated in Tanzania under the Gaming Act, 2003. The Gaming Board of Tanzania, established under the Gaming Act, oversees all gambling activities in the country, including online poker and casino games (1). Both land-based and online operators must obtain licenses from the Gaming Board to legally operate, ensuring that all gambling activities are properly controlled and monitored within Tanzania's regulatory framework.
Tanzania has developed a comprehensive licensing system for various gambling activities, including sports betting, casinos, lotteries, and online gaming. The country allows both local and foreign operators to be granted licenses, provided they meet strict requirements set by the Gaming Board (1). Regulations specifically address card games, with the Gaming Act confirming that gambling regulation applies to betting, sports, skill games, card games, casinos, lotteries, and arcades (2).
"Tanzania is one of those few African countries that have legalized and regulated online gambling. Operators can obtain licenses to offer online sports betting, casino games, and lotteries."
The minimum legal gambling age in Tanzania is 18 years, and operators must verify player age to comply with legal obligations (1). The Gaming Board strictly enforces regulations, with operators running illegal gambling activities facing huge fines, license revocation, and possible imprisonment. The board also combats money laundering through anti-money laundering regulation enforcement, maintaining the integrity of Tanzania's gambling industry while actively closing unauthorized online gambling sites targeting Tanzanian players.
Source:
https://www.igamingtoday.com/gambling-regulation-in-tanzania/
https://cms.law/en/int/expert-guides/cms-expert-guide-to-gambling-laws-in-africa/tanzania
Last updated: 10-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
