The government, through the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), has dismissed recent media reports that claimed Kenyans spent Ksh766 billion on gambling in 2024.
In an official statement released on April 20, BCLB described the figure as exaggerated and misleading, warning that it could distort public perception and misguide policy decisions regarding the gambling industry.
The board strongly refuted the claim, stating, “The widely circulated figure suggesting Kenyans gambled Ksh766 billion last year is a gross misrepresentation.
This number—allegedly equating to about 31% of the country’s total revenue—is not only unrealistic but also misinforms both the public and policymakers.”
BCLB explained that such figures likely include gambling on unlicensed and offshore betting platforms that operate outside the reach of Kenya’s regulatory framework.
According to BCLB data, the actual tax revenue collected from the licensed betting industry in the 2024/2025 financial year stood at only Ksh22.3 million.
This substantial difference, the board noted, shows that the real size of the regulated gambling sector is much smaller than the exaggerated claims in circulation.
The board also highlighted the industry’s economic contributions. It stated that over 10,000 Kenyans have direct employment within the licensed gambling sector, while more than 500,000 individuals benefit indirectly.
Furthermore, the industry supports community development projects through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, which are funded by licensed betting companies.
To maintain accountability and transparency in the sector, BCLB has implemented several oversight measures.
These include a fully functional complaints handling system that allows customers to report grievances.
Importantly, the board emphasized that there have been no registered cases of suicide linked to gambling under its oversight.
In addition, BCLB has been conducting national awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of gambling, recognizing it as a demerit good.
These efforts are in line with existing advertising guidelines issued in 2019, which seek to control how betting activities are promoted to the public.
To enhance its ability to monitor operators, the board has adopted sophisticated technologies that allow it to track activities of licensed companies in real time. This system also helps identify unlicensed platforms and enables BCLB to take quick administrative or legal action where necessary.
The board has also enforced stricter compliance procedures for all gambling operators. These include frequent audits, random inspections, and even revoking licenses for those found to be non-compliant.
This move is aimed at ensuring that only trustworthy and responsible operators remain in the market.
Another major initiative is the national self-exclusion programme, which enables individuals who feel they are developing gambling problems to voluntarily ban themselves from accessing gambling services.
BCLB noted that so far, only a few people have requested to be added to the self-exclusion list, which they see as a sign of effective awareness campaigns and responsible gambling practices.
In efforts to support individuals affected by gambling, BCLB has partnered with health facilities and non-governmental organisations to offer counselling services.
Licensed operators are also required to have 24/7 helplines for those seeking help, and arrangements are in place for inpatient rehabilitation for serious cases.
The board also revealed that it is pushing for a mandatory allocation of a portion of gross gaming revenue to be used for addiction prevention and recovery services.
This move is aimed at further protecting vulnerable members of society from gambling-related harm.
Finally, BCLB stated that it is working with lawmakers to strengthen regulation through the proposed Gambling Control Bill, 2023.
The draft legislation is currently under review by a mediation committee made up of members from both the Senate and the National Assembly.
If passed, it is expected to significantly improve the legal and regulatory environment for gambling in Kenya.
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