Effectiveness of the Legal Framework in Prohibiting Sports Betting to Minors in Tanzania

Sports betting is increasingly accessible through physical outlets and internet-enabled platforms, raising concerns about protecting minors from gambling-related harm. The study examines the effectiveness of Tanzania’s legal framework in prohibiting minors from participating in sports betting. It analyses Section 74(1)(a), (b), (c) and (2) of the Gaming Act, Cap 41 [R.E 2023], Regulation 19 (c) of the Gaming Regulations GN No.385 (2003), the Gaming (Internet Gaming) Regulations GN No. 478T (2022), the Sports Betting Rules (2016), and child-protection instruments, alongside academic literature and qualitative interview material reported in the underlying study. The article focuses on whether legal restrictions provide effective protection in practice, particularly where betting services are accessible through mobile devices and online accounts. It highlights concerns regarding the implementation of Regulation 39(1) and (2) of the Gaming (Internet Gaming) Regulations GN No. 478T (2022), particularly the need for clear technical standards and reliable age-verification procedures. Reliance on self-declaration, such as ticking an age-confirmation box or entering a date of birth, raises questions about the adequacy of measures intended to prevent minors from accessing online betting platforms. The qualitative material provides context rather than statistically representative evidence of all minors or operators in Tanzania. The study concludes that effective protection requires clear and enforceable age-verification requirements, consistent supervision of physical and online betting, appropriate enforcement against violations, and coordinated public education involving regulators, operators, schools, parents, guardians, and child-protection institutions. It recommends reviewing the current regulatory framework before introducing reforms, strengthening age and identity verification requirements, strengthening monitoring and regulatory supervision, establishing effective reporting mechanisms, improving age-appropriate awareness of gambling-related risks, and updating penalties for allowing minors to participate in sports betting. and improving age-appropriate awareness of gambling-related risks.