Kenya Forms Multi-Agency Team to Tighten Gambling Regulation
Kenya’s Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has launched a multi-agency initiative to tighten regulations in the betting and gaming sector. The move comes amid growing concerns about youth gambling, underage access, and suspected tax evasion by operators.
New Oversight Team to Review Sector Rules
The BCLB has assembled a multi-agency team to revise existing guidelines for betting and gaming operators. The group includes representatives from the Interior Ministry, the Attorney-General’s Office, the Communications Authority, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), and other key regulators.
The upcoming guidelines will focus on several key areas: preventing underage gambling, limiting betting near schools, and controlling the times when betting is permitted. Dr Jane Makau, BCLB Chairperson highlighted the addictive nature of gambling, stressing the need to “sanitise this country” by ensuring tighter restrictions.
Sasa Krneta, Chairperson of the Association of Gambling Operators of Kenya (AGOK), expressed support for the initiative, stating:
“We promote responsible gambling and all we want is to ensure that Kenyans only bet on that which they can afford to lose.”
Temporary Ban on Gambling Advertisements
To support the reform process, the BCLB has ordered a one-month suspension of gambling advertisements across all media. This measure aims to reduce exposure and allow time for proper enforcement once new rules are in place.
Dr Makau explained the need for urgent reforms:
“We need to sensitise the communities on the effects of betting and make them understand that you only stake that which you can afford to lose. It is a sporting activity just like any other sport. We have seen a trend where people are staking money that they have earned for a living, people are getting into more debts and some are getting depressed.”
Lawmakers Question Tax Compliance
Meanwhile, lawmakers are investigating potential tax fraud within the industry. During a recent committee session, several MPs accused some companies of tampering with bet outcomes to avoid paying winners.
Molo MP Kimani Kuria questioned inconsistencies in KRA’s tax records.
“While there is growth in excise duty on betting and gaming activities for the last two financial years, the withholding tax on wins continues to reduce. How is this possible?”
According to the KRA, Kenya collected KSh19.6 billion in taxes from gambling in 2024/25 – up by KSh2.53 billion from the previous year. Still, the decline in withholding tax has raised alarms.
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