President William Ruto has officially signed the Gambling Control Bill 2023 into law, ushering in a new era of stricter regulation, enhanced player protection, and tougher penalties for non-compliance in Kenya’s booming gambling sector.
The signing, which took place on Thursday, August 7, is set to transform how online and offline gambling operates in the country, with the introduction of modern oversight strategies, higher minimum betting limits, and the establishment of a new regulatory authority.
Minimum Online Bet Increased to Ksh 20
One of the most notable provisions of the new law is the mandatory minimum online betting amount of Ksh 20. According to the Act, no gambling operator will be allowed to accept wagers below this amount.
Any operator caught enabling bets below Ksh 20 will face a fine of at least Ksh 5 million or imprisonment for up to five years. This move is aimed at reducing irresponsible gambling, particularly among vulnerable groups.
The bill also introduces a mandatory savings component in bets, which will be determined by the Gambling Regulatory Authority in consultation with the Cabinet Secretary. This component is intended to encourage responsible betting and financial prudence among gamblers.
Mandatory Player Registration and Age Verification
To curb underage gambling, the law now requires all gamblers to register and hold verified accounts with licensed gambling platforms. Operators must implement strict age verification systems and ensure no minors are registered.
“An operator shall require proof of age of majority prior to the registration of every player,” the law states. Operators who fail to enforce this will risk losing their licenses and face heavy penalties.
Faster Prize Payouts for Winners
Under the new regulations, online gambling companies must transfer cash prizes to winners within two days of their win. Non-cash prizes, such as cars or electronics, must be delivered within seven days. This change addresses past complaints of delayed payouts in the sector.
Creation of the Gambling Regulatory Authority
The Gambling Regulatory Authority will now serve as the central body overseeing all gambling activities in Kenya. This body will be responsible for:
- Vetting and licensing gambling operators
- Ensuring compliance with gambling laws
- Monitoring casinos and online platforms in real time in collaboration with the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA)
- Enforcing data protection and cybersecurity measures for online platforms
- Promoting awareness and education on responsible gambling
To obtain a license, applicants must demonstrate:
- Secure online payment systems
- Protection against underage gambling
- Anti-money laundering safeguards
- Responsible advertising policies
- Measures to prevent gambling addiction
Impact on Kenya’s Gambling Industry
Kenya has one of the fastest-growing online betting industries in Africa. While the sector has generated significant revenue and created jobs, it has also faced criticism over rising cases of gambling addiction among youth.
The Gambling Control Bill 2023 is designed to strike a balance between industry growth and public safety, ensuring gambling remains a regulated form of entertainment rather than a social risk.
With these new rules, operators are expected to tighten their systems, improve transparency, and enhance player safety, while the government gains better oversight and revenue collection from the sector
