Analysis of Tanzania's iGaming industry: H1 2023 vs H1 2024

The first half of 2024 witnessed significant changes compared to the same period in 2023. This analysis explores key shifts, trends, and performance metrics of the top brands, highlighting the overall market dynamics.

This report was created in collaboration with Next.io.

Key Market Trends and Shifts.

Blask Index.

Blask Index, a quantitative indicator that estimates the size of the iGaming market in various countries and shows the market share of each brand.

Blask Index in H1 2024:

• Peak: 13 million in Mayl
• Lowest: 10 million in January
• Average: 11,5 million
• Total: 69 million

Compared to H1 2023:

• Peak: 14 million persons in March and April
• Lowest: 9,2 million in June
• Average: 11,9 million
• Total: 71,6 million

This represents a 3,7% year-over-year decrease in the total Blask Index score, indicating a slight contraction in market engagement.

Estimated First Time Depositors (eFTD).

eFTD, a metric that estimates the number of new players making their first deposit on an iGaming platform, which is calculated using traffic data and conversion rates, providing insights into player acquisition.

eFTD in H1 2024:

• Peak: 443,000 in May
• Lowest: 371,000 in January
• Average: 412,000
• Total: 2,47 million

Compared to H1 2023:

• Peak: 492,000 in April
• Lowest: 338,000 in June
• Average: 419,333
• Total: 2,52 million

This represents a 2,4% year-over-year decrease in total eFTD, reflecting a slight decline in new player acquisition.

Estimated Gross Gaming Revenue (eGGR)

eGGR, an approximation of the total amount of money wagered by players minus the winnings paid out, which helps assess the financial performance of iGaming operators without access to their internal data.

eGGR in H1 2024:

• Peak: $15 million in January through June
• Lowest: No significant changes in eGGR between January and June
• Average: $15 million
• Total: $90 million

Compared to H1 2023:

• Peak: $14 million in April and May
• Lowest: $11 million in January
• Average: $12.8 million
• Total: $77 million

This represents a 1.1% year-on-year increase in total eGGR, indicating slight growth in market revenue.

Top 5 brands’ shift.

Top 5 Brands’ Market Share in H1 2024:

• betPawa: 61,96%
• Betway: 9,42%
• SportPesa: 6,09%
• Wasafi Bet: 5,23%
• Pmbet: 3,67%

Compared to H1 2023:

• betPawa: 62,13%
• Wasafi Bet: 9,12%
• SportPesa: 7,24%
• M bet: 5,12%
• Pmbet: 3,88%

Performance analysis of top 3 brands.

Top 3 brands:

BetPawa

• Blask Index: Decreased from 42,3 million persons in H1 2023 to 36,2 million persons in H1 2024 (-14,4% year-over-year).
• Market Share: Decreased from 62,13% in H1 2023 to 61,96% in H1 2024.
• eFTD: Decreased from 1,37 million in H1 2023 to 1,22 million in H1 2024 (-10,9% year-over-year).
• eGGR: Increased from $38,3 million in H1 2023 to $45,7 million in H1 2024 (+19,4% year-over-year).

Betway

• Blask Index: Increased significantly from 1,82 million persons in H1 2023 to 6,39 million persons in H1 2024, a remarkable (+251,1% year-over-year).
• Market Share: Increased from 2,90% in H1 2023 to 9,42% in H1 2024.
• eFTD: Increased from 68,600 in H1 2023 to 215,000 in H1 2024 (+213,1% year-over-year).
• eGGR: Increased from $1,79 million in H1 2023 to $5,88 million in H1 2024 (+227,9% year-over-year).

SportPesa

• Blask Index: Increased from 5,94 million persons in H1 2023 to 6,79 million persons in H1 2024 (+14,2% year-over-year).
• Market Share: Decreased from 7,24% in H1 2023 to 6,09% in H1 2024.
• eFTD: Increased from 214,000 in H1 2023 to 227,000 in H1 2024 (+6,1% year-over-year).
• eGGR: Increased from $7 million in H1 2023 to $7,5 million in H1 2024 (+7,1% year-over-year).

General trends and patterns.

1. Market Contraction: The Tanzanian iGaming industry experienced a slight contraction in H1 2024 compared to H1 2023. The Blask Index decreased by 3,7%, falling from an average of 11,9 million in H1 2023 to 11,5 million in H1 2024. This decline signals a minor reduction in overall market engagement.
2. Decrease in Player Acquisition: Expected First Time Depositors (eFTD) saw a modest 2,4% decrease, dropping from 2,52 million in H1 2023 to 2,47 million in H1 2024. This reduction reflects a slight decline in new player acquisition, indicating potential challenges in attracting new users.
3. Revenue Growth: Expected Gross Gaming Revenue (eGGR) grew significantly by 16,9%, increasing from $77 million in H1 2023 to $90 million in H1 2024. This notable rise highlights improved financial performance and a more profitable market environment.
4. Shifts Among Top Brands:

• BetPawa maintained its leading position with a market share of 61,96% in H1 2024, down slightly from 62,13% in H1 2023. Despite a decrease in its Blask Index and eFTD, BetPawa achieved a substantial 19,4% increase in eGGR, demonstrating strong revenue performance.
• Betway emerged as a significant player, with a remarkable increase in its Blask Index by 251,1%, from 1,82 million in H1 2023 to 6,39 million in H1 2024. Its market share also rose from 2,90% to 9,42%, coupled with a 227,9% increase in eGGR, showcasing its effective expansion strategies.
• SportPesa saw a 14,2% increase in its Blask Index, growing from 5,94 million in H1 2023 to 6,79 million in H1 2024. Despite a minor decrease in market share from 7,24% to 6,09%, SportPesa experienced a 7,1% rise in eGGR, reflecting its stable revenue growth.

5. Emerging Competitive Dynamics: The shifts among the top brands indicate a competitive and evolving market landscape. While Betway has made significant strides, BetPawa remains dominant in market share and revenue, despite its lower engagement metrics. SportPesa's stable performance amidst changing market dynamics suggests ongoing competitive pressures.

Conclusion.

The Tanzanian iGaming industry in H1 2024 displayed mixed trends with a slight contraction in market engagement, evidenced by a 3,7% decrease in the Blask Index. However, the sector achieved robust revenue growth, with a notable 16,9% increase in eGGR, highlighting an improved financial landscape.

The competitive environment is evolving. Betway's significant growth in both market share and revenue underscores its expanding role in the market. BetPawa continues to lead in market share and revenue, although it faces challenges in player engagement. SportPesa's stable performance amidst competitive pressures indicates its resilience and ongoing relevance.

Overall, the Tanzanian iGaming market's growth presents opportunities for stakeholders but also underscores the need for strategic adaptation. To maintain competitiveness, brands must navigate these shifting dynamics effectively. The strong revenue growth offers a solid foundation for future expansion, but ongoing strategic adjustments will be crucial for sustained success.

Unlock your iGaming potential with Blask!

Blask empowers you to make data-driven decisions, optimize marketing strategies, and drive significant GGR increases by providing unparalleled clarity about the iGaming market and your performance.

Curious about our precision? Discover our article "What is Blask?" and how Blask's cutting-edge technology is transforming iGaming analytics.

Ready to experience Blask in action?

• Sign up for free demo access and explore real data on the TOP-5 brands per country: Get a firsthand look at Blask's capabilities.

• Request a personalized demo with full access to data tailored to your niche and objectives. Fill out the form at blask.com to help us prepare use cases specific to your needs.

Need assistance?

Our support team is always here to help. Click the chat icon in the bottom right corner of your screen to connect with us instantly and get the answers you need.