Lottery tickets are legal to purchase in Tanzania under the Gaming Act Cap. 41, which became effective on July 1, 2003. The Gaming Board of Tanzania, established as a regulatory body under this legislation, oversees, monitors, and regulates all gaming activities including lotteries throughout mainland Tanzania. Prior to 2003, the gaming industry was regulated under the Pools and Lotteries Act of 1967 and the National Lotteries Act of 1974 (2).
The Board issues permits and licenses for various lottery types, including public lotteries for charitable purposes, promotional lotteries for marketing, and national lotteries for commercial purposes. Applicants must demonstrate suitability as fit and proper bodies capable of running lottery operations. The minimum legal age for purchasing lottery tickets or participating in any gambling activity in Tanzania is 18 years, with heavy penalties imposed on operators who fail to verify players' ages (1).
"Gaming Board of Tanzania is a gaming regulatory body which was established under the Gaming Act Cap. 41 and became effective on 1st July 2003. It is responsible for overseeing, monitoring and regulating the conduct of gaming activities in Tanzania."
The Board may appoint suitable companies to run national lotteries under license agreements, with such lotteries owned by the government. Licensed lottery operators must comply with strict conditions including using only approved gaming devices and operating solely in licensed premises. The Gaming Board has collected over TZS 260.21 billion in gaming tax over four years, reflecting significant lottery and gambling activity (1).
Source:
https://www.mof.go.tz/uploads/documents/en-1676545183-THE%20GAMING%20ACT,%20CAP%2041%20R.E%202019.pdf
https://www.gamingboard.go.tz
Last updated: 16-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
