Mobile Money Betting in Tanzania: Comparing M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa and Airtel Money

Why Mobile Money Dominates Betting Deposits in Tanzania? 

The popularity of mobile money as a payment method in Tanzania is not far-fetched. It allows people to pay for goods and services at stores and shops without using their bank accounts. There is no reason to use a debit card or visit a bank branch. Everything is completed directly from their mobile phone.

As of 2025, the Bank of Tanzania reported 75.78 million active mobile money subscriptions, with about 2 million agents. Due to its convenience, it is now widely accepted across most betting sites. Bettors now use it to fund their betting accounts and withdraw their winnings. To begin using it at a bookmaker, they only need to own a SIM card linked to the three major providers (M-Pesa, Mixx by Yas, and Airtel Money).

Nevertheless, the availability of all three biggest mobile money providers depends on the betting site. Some bookmakers offer all of these options, while others may offer one or two. Certain betting sites may also offer options like HaloPesa, Ezy Pesa, and TTCL Pesa.

Comparing Mobile Money Options for Betting

While there are around 8 mobile money platforms regulated by the Bank of Tanzania, M-Pesa, Airtel Money, and Mixx by Yas are more popular. Here is how the top 3 major mobile money options compare.

M-Pesa

Operated by Vodacom Tanzania, M-Pesa is one of the most established mobile money services in the country. Vodacom has built a long-standing reputation as a convenient payment option for both banked and unbanked customers. Its services include sending money, paying for goods and services, withdrawing cash, and transferring money to banks. 

The main advantage of M-Pesa for betting is familiarity. If you already use M-Pesa for everyday payments, you can use the same wallet to fund your betting account if your bookmaker supports it. You can manage your wallet via the M-Pesa app or USSD. 

Mixx by Yas, Formerly Tigo Pesa

Mixx by Yas was formerly known as Tigo Pesa. The service was rebranded when Tigo Tanzania transitioned to the Yas brand in November 2024. However, the rebranding doesn’t mean you are dealing with an entirely new service provider. You can still access the same services under the new name. 

Mixx by Yas lets you send and receive money, pay bills, make merchant payments, and withdraw cash. You can manage your wallet through its app. The service also supports USSD transactions, so you can still access basic mobile money services even without an internet connection.  You should consider Mixx by Yas if your bookmaker offers it as a payment option. 

Airtel Money

Airtel Money is another well-known mobile money operator in Tanzania. Airtel’s coverage extends nationwide, and its mobile money service supports a range of everyday payment and banking services. 

If you already use an Airtel number, using the same wallet for supported betting transactions can be convenient. You can manage Airtel Money through your phone, while the My Airtel app also provides access to money transfers, payments, balances and transaction history.

How to Deposit Into a Betting Account

You can easily fund your betting account with mobile money. The exact steps may differ across bookmakers, but the process is usually the same.

1. Log into your betting account on your bookmaker’s website or app and navigate to the cashier or deposit section. 

2. Choose your preferred mobile money operator, such as M-Pesa, Mixx by Yas or Airtel Money. 

3. Enter your registered mobile money phone number and the amount you wish to deposit.

4. Depending on your bookmaker and the mobile money service you’re using, you may receive a USSD prompt on your phone or a link to complete the payment. 

5. Follow the instructions and enter your PIN to authorise the transaction. 

6. Check your betting balance once you receive a confirmation SMS or notification from your mobile money service. 

Alternatively, you can deposit via USSD using the bookmaker's Paybill Number. Follow these steps.

1. Dial your network’s USSD code.

2. Select Pay Bill/Business Payment and choose the “Pay Bill” or “Pay Merchant” option.

3. Input the bookmaker’s Paybill number and your reference number.

4. Enter the amount you want to deposit and your PIN.

How to Withdraw Betting Winnings

Just like deposits, withdrawals from Tanzanian bookmakers via mobile money are simple. Here are the steps to follow.

1. Log in to your online betting account and navigate to the cashier or withdrawal page. 

2. Choose the mobile money operator you wish to use.

3. Type in the exact amount you wish to withdraw. 

4. Select your mobile money wallet, which is usually the number you registered with at the bookmaker. 

5. Submit your withdrawal request. 

Please note that your bookmaker may require additional information or verification before processing this request. Also, some Tanzanian bookmakers may require you to use the same mobile money service you used to make your deposit.

Fees, Limits and Processing Times  

Like other payment methods, mobile money options have limits and processing times. They may sometimes come with fees. However, these details can vary across providers and operators and change over time. Here is how they work.

• Transaction Fees: The mobile money provider or bookmaker may charge a fee before you can use it. 

• Deposit and Withdrawal Limits: Your provider and/or bookmaker may set minimum and maximum amounts you can move in and out of your wallet or betting account. These limits may be daily, weekly, or monthly or per transaction.  

• Processing Times: While deposits are usually instant, withdrawals may take around 15 minutes to be reflected, depending on the bookmaker and payment method provider.

Always check the latest information in your mobile money app and on your bookmaker’s payment page before initiating deposits or withdrawals. 

Choosing the Right Mobile Money Option for You

There’s no single mobile money service that is automatically the best. In most cases, you simply choose a wallet you already use for everyday payments, provided your chosen bookmaker supports it. 

Instead of switching to an entirely new provider, sticking with the same wallet you use for other transactions can make deposits and withdrawals more familiar. You already know how to check your balance and confirm transactions, manage PINs, and troubleshoot common issues. Therefore, there’s nothing new to learn when using the wallet for betting.

Before choosing a provider or wallet, check that your bookmaker supports it. Since they vary across providers and bookmakers, it is best to compare current transaction fees, deposit and withdrawal limits, processing times, and other conditions.

Responsible Gambling in Tanzania

Whether you want to use mobile money to make deposits or withdrawals at bookmakers, you must be 18 years or above. This is the standard age to gamble in Tanzania. For your safety, ensure you only join a betting site licensed and regulated by the Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT). 

While mobile money makes betting deposits quick and convenient, it shouldn’t be a reason to spend more than your budget. Set a budget for betting and only use money you can afford to lose. 

Additionally, take betting as entertainment rather than a way to make money. If it ever stops being enjoyable, take a break and consider the responsible gambling tools your bookmaker provides.