LEON enters African market with Tanzania launch
Operator LEON has secured licences to offer casino and sports betting services in Tanzania, marking its first move into Africa.
From the Gambling News archive. This article was first published on and is kept online for reference. It has not been updated, so details may be out of date.
LEON has expanded into Africa for the first time after obtaining two licences from the Tanzania Gaming Board, permitting the operator to offer both casino and sports betting products in the country. The move, announced on 27 August 2024 in Dar es Salaam, will see the business trade locally under the LEON TANZANIA brand.
The company said the licences were granted following a due diligence review, which it described as consistent with its regulatory compliance standards. The Tanzania launch is being led by Jérôme J. Dufourg, who holds the role of Regional Director of Operations for Africa at LEON.
Why Tanzania
LEON said it assessed a range of potential African markets before settling on Tanzania as its entry point. The company pointed to the country’s population of 68 million, roughly a third of whom have internet access, as a key factor. It also cited Tanzania’s business climate, including foreign investment levels, the rollout of 5G connectivity and political stability, as supporting conditions for its operations.
Company comment
Dufourg said the Tanzania launch represented the start of LEON’s African expansion, framing it as part of the company’s broader international growth. He said the operator’s approach and operational setup in the country left it well placed within Africa’s digital entertainment sector, adding that he was looking forward to leading the regional operations.
The announcement was issued by Square in the Air on behalf of LEON.