Religious Leaders in Tanzania Support Sports Betting Ban

Following a move to freeze licensing for betting firms in Uganda, religious leaders in Tanzania have voiced their support for a ban on betting.

Concerns regarding increasing gambling addiction were discussed in a recent meeting between President John Magufuli and the Deputy Chairman of the Dawoodi Bohra community, Zainuddin Adamjee. Adamjee also expressed concern at the use of traditional and social media to promote gambling through advertisements. The President has since tasked the Prime Minister, Kassim Majaliwa, to address the matter and is quoted as stating, “I have noted the youth are convinced that if you play you can win big and this has promoted laziness, although the government collects taxes.”

Earlier this month President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda directed that betting be banned. Speaking on the matter Minister of State for Finance David Bahati stated, “We have received a directive from President Museveni to stop licensing sports betting, gaming and gambling companies. From now on, no new companies are going to be licensed. For those that are already registered, there will be no renewal of their licences when they expire.”