Office No. 18, 9.17 Capital Tower, 91 Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8RT
Mon - Fri: 10.00 - 19.00 GTM+2
+38 095 841 41 64
contact@legalpilot.com
KE

Is Gambling Legal in Kenya?

Regulated
Gambling is fully regulated under the Gambling Control Act, requiring local ownership, strict licensing, and a 15% tax on gross revenue.
Expert Gambling Regulation Guidance

Professional consultation on gambling regulations and legal compliance requirements for operators




    Key Information Highlights Legislation Timeline Requirements Sources

    Key Information

    Last Update 2025
    Regulatory Authority Gambling Regulatory Authority
    License Cost Varies

    Regulation by Activity Type

    Casinos Regulated
    Online Casinos Regulated
    Betting Regulated
    Online Betting Regulated
    Lotteries Regulated
    Poker Regulated

    Highlights

    • Kenya's Gambling Control Act 2023 mandates at least 30% local ownership in licensed gambling companies.
    • A new Gambling Regulatory Authority replaces the Betting Control and Licensing Board for stricter industry oversight.
    • A 15% tax on gross gambling revenue is imposed, with additional local government levies possible.
    • Licenced operators must hold security deposits of Ksh 200 million for online gambling and national lottery licenses.
    • All gambling transactions must be processed through Kenyan-registered banks to enhance financial oversight.
    • Strict player protection measures prohibit underage gambling and impose betting limits for vulnerable groups.
    • Gambling advertisements are restricted during certain hours to protect minors and other at-risk populations.
    Technical Compliance Assistance

    Our specialists will help you understand technical compliance requirements for gambling operations




      Legislation

      Primary Legislation

      Kenya's gambling sector is governed by a modernized legal framework designed to regulate all forms of gambling, betting, lotteries, and gaming activities. The core legislation currently in force is the Gambling Control Act, which was recently enacted to overhaul the previous regulatory regime. This Act replaces the earlier Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act (Cap 131) and introduces comprehensive provisions to address the evolving gambling landscape, including both physical and online gambling.
      • The Gambling Control Act establishes the legal basis for regulating betting, casinos, lotteries, prize competitions, and media promotions.
      • It sets out requirements for market entry, operational standards, player protection, and responsible gambling measures.
      • The Act mandates local ownership thresholds for licensed operators and requires all gambling-related transactions to be processed through Kenyan-registered financial institutions.
      • It introduces strict provisions to combat illegal gambling, enhance oversight of online platforms, and ensure the integrity of the sector.
      • Additional relevant legislation includes the 2025 Anti-Money Laundering and Combating of Terrorism Financing Laws (Amendment) Bill, which specifically brings the betting and gambling sector under Kenya’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regime.

      Regulatory Authority

      Oversight and enforcement of gambling regulation in Kenya is entrusted to a newly established, dedicated regulatory body: the Gambling Regulatory Authority. This authority replaces the former Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) and is empowered with broader and more robust supervisory powers.
      • Responsible for licensing, monitoring, and regulating all gambling operators and activities in Kenya.
      • Mandated to enforce compliance with the Gambling Control Act and related regulations, including anti-money laundering provisions.
      • Tasked with protecting players, ensuring responsible gambling, and preventing underage and illegal gambling.
      • Empowered to investigate, sanction, and take enforcement action against non-compliant or unlicensed operators.
      • Acts as the central authority for policy development, industry oversight, and coordination with other government agencies.

      License Types

      Types of Gambling Licenses in Kenya

      • Bookmaker License: For operators offering sports betting and other forms of betting.
      • Casino License: For land-based and online casino operations.
      • Public Lottery License: For organizations conducting lotteries for charitable purposes.
      • Gaming License: Covers other regulated gaming activities, including skill and card games.
      • Online Gambling License: For operators offering gambling services via digital platforms.

      Application Process and Procedures

      • Applicants must complete prescribed forms and submit detailed business concepts and plans.
      • Required documents include company registration, tax compliance certificates, articles of association, and evidence of business premises.
      • Applicants must demonstrate financial capacity, provide audited accounts, and show evidence of funding sources.
      • All directors must submit certificates of good conduct and complete probity forms for due diligence checks.
      • Applicants are required to make a presentation before the regulatory authority, demonstrating operational preparedness, innovation, and understanding of the business.
      • Premises are subject to inspection for suitability.
      • For public lotteries, applications must be submitted at least 30 days before the intended start date, with additional requirements for guarantors and ticket samples.

      Eligibility and Key Requirements

      • At least 30% of the shares in the applying company must be owned by Kenyan citizens.
      • Applicants must transact through locally registered financial institutions.
      • Business must be registered with the Registrar of Companies in Kenya.
      • Applicants must comply with data protection and anti-money laundering regulations.
      • Operators must present policies on responsible gaming, dispute resolution, and measures to prevent underage gambling.
      • Licensees must commence operations within six months of license issuance, or demonstrate milestones towards operationalization.

      Duration, Renewal, and Maintenance of Licenses

      • Licenses are typically valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
      • Renewal requires submission of updated documentation, payment of renewal fees, and evidence of ongoing compliance.
      • Both the license and premises require separate renewal applications and fees.

      Licensing Costs and Financial Requirements

      License Type Application Fee Investigation Fee License Grant Fee Annual License Fee Premises Grant Fee Premises Annual Fee Renewal Fee
      Bookmaker (Local) KES 10,000 KES 50,000 KES 200,000 KES 50,000 KES 100,000 KES 50,000 KES 5,000 (each for license and premises)
      Bookmaker (Foreign) KES 10,000 KES 500,000 KES 200,000 KES 50,000 KES 100,000 KES 50,000 KES 5,000 (each for license and premises)
      Public Lottery KES 2,000 — — — — — Permit fee: 3% of total proceeds or KES 75,000 (whichever is less, for 3 months)
      • All application and investigation fees are non-refundable.
      • Applicants must show ability to pay all required fees and maintain sufficient capital for operations.

      Gambling Tax

      Tax Rates for Gambling Operators in Kenya

      Type of Gambling Operation Tax Rate Tax Base
      All licensed gambling operators (betting, casino, lottery, prize competitions) 15% Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR)
      Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR) is defined as the total amount wagered by players minus the winnings paid out. This 15% tax applies uniformly to all licensed operators, including online and land-based betting, casinos, lotteries, and prize competitions.

      Additional Levies and Excise Duties

      • Operators may also be subject to a monthly gambling levy determined by local county authorities. The amount and applicability of this levy can vary by region.
      • Excise duty is imposed on betting stakes. The National Treasury has proposed an increase to 20% on the amount staked (previously 12.5%). If approved, operators must deduct this excise duty from every bet placed and remit it to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

      Payment Procedures and Tax Reporting Requirements

      • All gambling taxes (including the 15% GGR tax and applicable levies) must be remitted to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) by the 20th day of the month following the month in which the revenue was earned.
      • Operators are required to maintain detailed records of all transactions, bets, winnings, and tax deductions to ensure accurate reporting and compliance.
      • Monthly tax returns must be filed with the KRA, detailing gross revenue, winnings paid out, and taxes due.
      • Excise duty on betting stakes must be deducted at the point of sale and remitted monthly to the KRA, alongside other tax obligations.

      Tax Incentives, Exemptions, and Special Provisions

      • There are currently no broad tax incentives or exemptions specifically for gambling operators under the new regulatory framework.
      • Operators must ensure at least 30% local (Kenyan) ownership to obtain and maintain a license, but this is a licensing—not a tax—requirement.
      • Additional levies may be imposed by county governments, and these are separate from national taxes. Operators should verify county-specific requirements.

      Summary Table of Key Taxes

      Tax Type Rate Basis Remittance Deadline
      Gambling Tax (all operators) 15% Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR) 20th of each month
      Excise Duty on Betting Stakes 20% (proposed, previously 12.5%) Amount Staked 20th of each month
      County Gambling Levy Varies by county Gross Revenue or as prescribed As determined by county
      Operators must remain vigilant regarding both national and county-level tax requirements, ensure timely remittance, and maintain transparent records to comply with Kenya's evolving gambling tax regime.

      Prohibited Individuals

      Age Restrictions and Identification Requirements

      • The minimum legal age for participation in any form of gambling in Kenya is strictly set at 18 years.
      • Operators are required to implement robust age verification and identification procedures to prevent minors from registering or participating in gambling activities, both online and offline.
      • Children are expressly prohibited from registering on gambling platforms or entering gambling premises. Registration processes must include checks to ensure compliance with age restrictions.

      Prohibited Activities and Game Restrictions

      • Unlicensed gambling operations are strictly prohibited, with a particular focus on eliminating illegal bookmakers and unauthorized online casinos.
      • Public lotteries must be conducted only for charitable purposes and are subject to specific restrictions regarding their operation and duration.
      • Prize competitions and media promotions involving gambling are regulated and require prior authorization; unauthorized prize competitions are not allowed.
      • There are minimum bet limits imposed to discourage irresponsible gambling, especially among vulnerable groups. For example, a minimum stake is set to prevent easy access for minors and to curb excessive play.

      Advertising and Marketing Limitations

      • Gambling advertisements are banned during specific hours on radio and television to protect minors and vulnerable populations from exposure.
      • All advertising and promotional materials must include clear responsible gambling messages and must not target or appeal to individuals under 18 years of age.
      • Operators are prohibited from making misleading claims, overstating chances of winning, or using false endorsements in their marketing campaigns.
      • Advertisements must clearly identify the operator and the gambling product being promoted; deceptive or ambiguous messaging is not allowed.
      • Promotional activities that encourage excessive or irresponsible gambling are strictly forbidden.

      Responsible Gambling Requirements and Player Protection Measures

      • Operators must implement measures to identify and assist players exhibiting signs of gambling addiction, including the use of betting limits or self-exclusion tools.
      • Players struggling with gambling addiction may be subject to imposed betting limits to help control compulsive behaviors.
      • Operators are required to provide clear information on responsible gambling, including access to support resources and helplines for problem gambling.
      • All gambling transactions must be routed through Kenyan-registered financial institutions to enhance oversight and prevent financial exploitation.
      • Operators must have systems in place to detect and prevent excessive play and underage participation.
      • Strict penalties and enforcement actions are in place for violations related to player protection, underage gambling, and irresponsible operator conduct.

      Geographic and Location Restrictions

      • Physical gambling venues (such as betting shops and casinos) are subject to location inspections to ensure suitability and compliance with regulatory standards.
      • Licenses for physical premises are granted only after thorough assessment of the proposed location, including proximity to schools and other sensitive areas to minimize exposure to minors.
      • Operators must maintain a principal place of business in Kenya, and all online operators are required to have a local presence and process transactions through Kenyan banks.
      Gambling Regulatory Consultation

      Get expert advice on gambling regulations and operational requirements




        Timeline

        Year/Date Event
        1948 Gambling Act Cap. 26 enacted, representing one of the earliest attempts at regulating gambling in Kenya during the colonial era.
        1952 Committee on Betting, Gambling, and Lotteries hearings held; recommendations made to decriminalize and strictly regulate gambling instead of banning it outright.
        1963 Betting Tax Act and Pools Act introduced, along with related local government regulations, laying groundwork for modern gambling regulation.
        1965–1966 Betting, Lotteries, and Gaming Bill introduced and passed; the Betting, Lotteries, and Gaming Act (Cap. 131) enacted on March 11, 1966, and took effect on November 1, 1966, and January 1, 1967. This Act repealed previous gambling laws and established the legal framework for gambling in Kenya.
        May 12, 1966 The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) was established to oversee licensing and regulation of all gambling activities in Kenya.
        1991 Notable revision of the Betting, Lotteries, and Gaming Act, introducing updates to licensing and regulatory provisions.
        2005 Second Schedule added to the Betting, Lotteries, and Gaming Act, modifying licensing fees and restrictions.
        2010 Kenya’s new Constitution granted concurrent jurisdiction over gambling to both the National and County Governments, allowing local authorities to play a role in regulation.
        2018 Major revision of the Betting, Lotteries, and Gaming Act, introducing explicit “fit and proper” requirements for casino operators, including financial, educational, and integrity criteria.
        2023 Kenya Gambling Control Bill introduced, aiming to overhaul the regulatory framework, establish a new Gambling Regulatory Authority, and strengthen controls on advertising, ownership, and responsible gambling.

        Requirements

        Software Certification and Technical Standards

        • All gambling software and systems used by operators must be certified for fairness, randomness, and integrity by recognized testing laboratories before deployment.
        • Operators are required to implement robust technical controls to prevent unauthorized access, tampering, or manipulation of gaming systems.
        • Gaming platforms must have mechanisms for real-time monitoring and reporting of all gaming transactions and activities to the regulatory authority.
        • Systems must be capable of generating detailed audit trails and logs that can be independently reviewed by regulators or auditors.
        • Technical infrastructure must meet security standards to ensure the protection of player data and the integrity of gambling operations.

        Data Protection, Privacy Measures, and Server Location Requirements

        • Operators must comply with Kenyan data protection laws, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of player data.
        • Personal and financial data of players must be stored securely, with access limited to authorized personnel only.
        • Operators are required to implement encryption for data in transit and at rest.
        • All gambling-related servers and data storage facilities must be located within Kenya to facilitate regulatory oversight and data sovereignty.
        • Operators must establish procedures for data breach detection, notification, and response in accordance with national privacy regulations.

        Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) Procedures

        • Operators must implement comprehensive AML programs, including transaction monitoring, suspicious activity reporting, and customer due diligence.
        • Mandatory KYC procedures require verification of player identity, age, and source of funds before allowing participation in gambling activities.
        • Operators must maintain records of all KYC documentation and transaction histories for a period specified by the regulator.
        • Regular training on AML and KYC requirements must be provided to all relevant staff.
        • Operators are obligated to report any transactions or activities suspected of being linked to money laundering or terrorist financing to the appropriate authorities.

        Financial Reporting, Auditing Standards, and Record-Keeping Requirements

        • Operators must maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all financial transactions, gaming activities, and player accounts.
        • Regular submission of financial statements and gaming revenue reports to the regulatory authority is mandatory.
        • Annual independent audits of financial and operational records are required, with audit reports submitted to the regulator.
        • Operators must retain all records, including transaction logs, KYC data, and audit trails, for a minimum period as specified by law (typically several years).
        • Operators are required to use Kenyan-registered banks for all gambling-related transactions to ensure traceability and regulatory oversight.

        Technical Implementation Requirements for Responsible Gambling Tools

        • Operators must integrate responsible gambling features within their platforms, including self-exclusion options, deposit limits, and reality checks.
        • Systems must be capable of enforcing player-set limits and automatically restricting access when limits are reached.
        • Operators must provide clear and accessible information on responsible gambling and support resources within their platforms.
        • Technical controls must prevent the registration and participation of minors in any form of gambling.
        • Mechanisms must be in place to identify and intervene with players exhibiting signs of problem gambling, including automated alerts and referrals to support services.

        Sources

        Primary Regulatory Authorities

        Legislation Resources

        Contact Information

        • Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) Physical Address: National Bank Building, 12th Floor, Harambee Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya Phone: +254 20 222 3788 / +254 20 222 3777 Email: info@bclb.go.ke
        Navigate Gambling Regulations Successfully

        Professional guidance on regulatory compliance for gambling operations




          Canada Turkey

          Important Information Notice

          Gambling regulations are subject to change. The information provided on this page was accurate at the time of publication, but may not reflect the current regulatory landscape. Always consult official sources for the most up-to-date information before making any gambling-related decisions.

          Last updated: 18 April 2025