BCLB is banking on the Gambling Control Bill, 2023, currently before Parliament, to strengthen regulation of the industry.
The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) is banking on a legislative proposal before Parliament to further strengthen oversight of Kenya's gambling industry, amid calls for stricter regulations.
The development follows an increase in the number of gambling companies registering in the country with advertisements of such sites on mainstream media during prime time.
Just last week, MPs launched investigations into the operations of betting and gaming companies in a bid to tame the vice that has taken a toll on the country's youth.
There are 128 licensed gambling firms in the country as of January this year, up from 99 reported in September last year, representing an increase of 29 new firms in just under four months.
However, BCLB Chairperson Dr Jane Makau on Sunday said they are banking on the Gambling Control Bill, 2023, currently before Parliament, to further strengthen regulation of the industry.
Dr Makau observed that the existing guidelines were developed in 2019 to guide the industry on the advertisement of gambling activities but the new Bill, if passed, will prohibit youth-targeted promotions, mandate responsible gambling messages, and restrict broadcasting hours, among other strict measures.
The Bill is now before the mediation committee of the Senate and National Assembly.
“The Board is set to enhance technical expertise, strengthening digital monitoring requirements, consumer protection clauses, and licensing conditions as contained in the Gambling Control Bill, 2023. The Bill is now before the mediation committee of the Senate and National Assembly,” said Dr Makau.
Legislators have expressed concern about the betting craze in Kenya.
In the meantime, she explained that they have been deploying advanced technology to monitor licensed operators in real-time and detect unlicensed sites as part of a multi-prong strategy to address the gambling craze in the country.
Regulatory sanctions
The Board has also been implementing swift administrative and regulatory sanctions as part of clamping down on unregulated gambling activities as well as conducting regular audits, surprise inspections and licence revocations for non-compliant operators as part of strict licensing, compliance and application requirements.
This is further to mandatory application attachments requiring all licensed applicants to submit responsible gaming guidelines or policies and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Dr Makau noted that a substantial percentage of Kenyan youth have participated in betting and gambling activities while a majority of adult Kenyans have gambled at least once in their lifetime.
She pointed out that most sports bettors use smartphones, making online platforms the predominant channel.
“The above initiatives, amongst others, are key in safeguarding the wellbeing of the gaming community in the law since the current legal framework enacted in 1966, is inadequate to address the current gambling challenges where gambling is currently online than in the past where it was physical/premise-based,” she said.
The move to tame the betting craze comes at a time when data shows that more Kenyans are now deeply involved in gambling.
According to the Geopoll report “Betting in Africa 2024”, 83 percent of Kenyans surveyed admitted to having placed a bet.
The BCLB boss said the current gaming activities demand a united, multi‑sectoral response and are currently expanding collaborations with health institutions and non-governmental organisations to provide counselling to those who may be affected by gambling activities.
She said the move will also include a requirement for operators to install 24/7 hotlines for punters who may seek assistance and in‑patient treatment for those affected by gambling disorders or addiction when identified.
Further, they are also revamping and launching a national self-exclusion programme, allowing individuals to voluntarily bar themselves from all gambling services.
She said they are advocating for a certain percent of total gross gaming revenue to be earmarked for addiction prevention and rehabilitation services, a move that is key in safeguarding the well-being of the gaming community.
The BCLB boss explained that taxes related to the gambling sector (gaming and betting, excise duty on stakes and withholding tax on winnings) amounted to Sh22.3 billion in the financial year ending June 30, 2024.
Sh20 billion in taxes
Nonetheless, the sector is projected to generate only Sh20 billion in taxes in 2025, underscoring robust but regulated growth.
Even though the figures underscore the popularity of licensed gambling, the Board has ensured there is continued strong oversight of the industry.
“We have a fully operational complaints section to receive all patron grievances. To date, no complaints related to suicide have been registered,” she said.
Dr Makau debunked the Sh766 billion recently reported in media as the amount spent by Kenyans on gambling in 2024, saying the sensational figure inaccurately inflates the size of the regulated market, likely by including offshore (unlicensed) platforms.
Online gambling firms and the national lottery will be required to deposit Sh200 million to be licensed to operate if President William Ruto signs a new Bill into law.
“This misleads policymakers and the public on the economic reality of licensed operators. In fact, taxes related to the gambling sector (gaming and betting, excise duty on stakes and withholding tax on winnings) totalled Sh22.3 billion in FY 2023/2024,” she said.
The Board said it has organised public sensitisation campaigns in recognition that gambling is a demerit good.
She explained that nationwide civic education will continue through county workshops, media talk shows, school programmes, and media to further highlight the risks of problem gambling.
“The Board and its partners are committed to protecting vulnerable Kenyans and preserving the social and economic health of our communities,” she said.
