n a bold move to reshape its gambling industry, Tanzania has launched a nationwide crackdown on foreign-owned slot machines and betting shops. This sweeping reform is part of a broader economic initiative covering 15 business sectors—including retail, mobile payment services, domestic parcel delivery, and tour guiding—with a unified goal: empower Tanzanian citizens and restrict small-scale enterprises to locals only.
Tanzania Cracks Down on Foreign-Owned Slot Machines
Sweeping Reforms Target Foreign Operators
In a bold move to reshape its gambling industry, Tanzania has launched a nationwide crackdown on foreign-owned slot machines and betting shops. This sweeping reform is part of a broader economic initiative covering 15 business sectors—including retail, mobile payment services, domestic parcel delivery, and tour guiding—with a unified goal: empower Tanzanian citizens and restrict small-scale enterprises to locals only.
Legal Grounds and Scope of Ban
The crackdown is enforced under the Business Licensing (Prohibition of Business Activities for Non-Citizens) Order, 2025, listed as Government Notice No. 487A dated July 28. The order draws authority from Tanzania’s Business Licensing Act (Cap. 101) and defines “non-citizen” according to the Tanzania Citizenship Act.
“The business activities listed in the Schedule to this Order shall not be undertaken by non-citizens,”
— Official Government Notice
Prohibited activities include:
- Operation of gambling machines outside licensed casinos
- Ownership or management of micro and small-scale enterprises
Licensed Casinos Remain Unaffected
The regulation does not affect Tanzanian-owned, fully licensed casinos, which may continue their operations as usual. The focus is squarely on unlicensed or informal slot machine operations—particularly those found in barbershops, corner stores, and bars—that are linked to foreign ownership.
Nationwide Enforcement and Penalties
Since the law came into effect, enforcement has been swift and aggressive. Dr. Selemani Jafo, Tanzania’s Minister of Industry and Trade, personally led raids on over 100 establishments across the country.
183 people have been arrested, with several foreign nationals deported.
Penalties include:
- Minimum fine of TZS 10 million (approx. USD 3,800)
- Up to six months’ imprisonment
- Revocation of visa or residency permits for foreign violators
- TZS 5 million fine (approx. USD 1,900) or up to 3 months in jail for Tanzanians aiding non-citizens in violations
A Warning to Foreign Business Interests
The catalyst for this enforcement campaign was mounting concern over foreign dominance in urban micro-business sectors, especially in Dar es Salaam, where Chinese-owned enterprises have drawn particular scrutiny. Allegations of widespread corruption in business licensing accelerated government intervention.
The government’s position is now crystal clear:
Casino-style gambling is still legal and protected—but foreign-operated slot machine businesses will be eliminated.
A Defining Moment for Local Business Protection
Tanzania’s crackdown signals a clear shift toward economic nationalism—and serves as a warning to foreign investors that local participation, legal compliance, and respect for sovereignty will be strictly enforced.
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