Kenya is taking firm action to reform its gambling industry. In a sweeping move, the BCLB Kenya has partnered with eight other government agencies to review and enforce new betting regulations. This comes amid growing concerns over youth gambling, poor regulation, and unreported tax revenue.
Multi-Agency Taskforce Formed
The BCLB Kenya announced it had formed a task force involving:
● Ministry of Interior
● The State Law Office
● The CA of Kenya
● KRA
● DCI
● KFCB
● MCK
● The FRC
This group has been tasked with overhauling the operational guidelines that govern the gambling sector, especially those related to advertising, underage participation, and gambling hours.
Selfies, Suspensions, and Stricter Access
The proposed changes are comprehensive. According to the BCLB, new betting rules will introduce restrictions on gambling near schools, set limits on gambling hours, and add stricter requirements before punters can register.
Among the most discussed measures is a potential selfie verification rule. This would require punters to submit a selfie holding their ID during registration – an effort to curb underage gambling and identity fraud.
In parallel, a 30-day suspension on gambling advertisements is already in effect across all media platforms. The blackout is expected to remain in effect until the revised guidelines are finalized and implemented.
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For punters, these changes may feel intrusive, but regulators argue they’re necessary. With mobile betting apps now accessible to nearly anyone with a phone, the BCLB says better checks are needed to prevent misuse. They believe these steps will create a safer space for both new and experienced wagerers, even if it means slowing down the onboarding process.
New Restrictions Expected
| Area | Proposed Change |
| User Registration | Selfie with ID during sign-up |
| Gambling Hours | Limited and strictly enforced |
| Location Restrictions | No gambling near schools |
| Media Advertising | Temporary ban across platforms |
| Player Eligibility | Tighter thresholds based on age and ID checks |
Addressing Debt and Mental Health
Dr Makau also stressed the need for better public awareness around gambling risks. She noted that many Kenyans are gambling with money meant for rent or food, pushing them further into debt and depression. These trends, she warned, cannot be ignored any longer.
The new rules are expected to affect both existing and new betting sites, forcing them to adapt or risk losing their licences. The BCLB Kenya has made it clear: compliance is no longer optional. For punters exploring the best new betting sites in Kenya, these incoming changes will play a key role in shaping their experiences, especially around onboarding and verification.
Manipulation, Tax Evasion & Growing Pressure
Behind these rule changes lies another pressing issue – tax evasion and possible manipulation of outcomes. Lawmakers have raised concerns that certain operators may be underreporting winnings to reduce tax obligations. Additionally, MP Kimani Kuria questioned why, despite the rise in excise taxes on gambling activities, withholding tax on winnings continues to drop.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) presented data showing a sharp rise in government revenue from betting. In the 2023/24 fiscal year, KRA collected 24.27 billion Kenyan shillings in gambling-related taxes, up 5.05 billion shillings from the year before.
Industry Responds With Conditions
While the government is pushing for tighter regulation, the gambling industry isn’t pushing back – at least not entirely. According to Sasa Krneta, chairperson of the Association of Gambling Operators of Kenya, supports responsible gambling and compliance.
Many operators have raised concerns about unclear licensing terms, high tax rates, and sudden enforcement changes. They’re asking the government to involve stakeholders in the policy-making process to avoid disrupting the market and hurting legitimate businesses.
