The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has issued a statement to address the growing concern over what has been termed a gambling “pandemic” in the country, with reports suggesting that Kenyans spent Ksh 766 billion on gambling in 2024.
Reports had further claimed that Kenyans bet Ksh24,000 per second, amounting to Ksh2.1 billion daily.
According to a GeoPoll report titled Betting in Africa 2024, Kenya led in betting participation, with at least 82.81 per cent of adults engaged.
However, in a statement on Sunday, April 20, BCLB Chairperson Dr Jane Mwikali debunked the Ksh 766 billion figure recently reported in the media—roughly equivalent to 31 per cent of national revenue—calling it a myth.
BCLB Denies Kenyans Spending Ksh 766 Billion on Betting
Mwikali said, “The figure inaccurately inflates the size of the regulated market, likely by including offshore (unlicensed) platforms.”
She added that this misleads policymakers and the public on the economic reality of licensed operators.
The BCLB chairperson clarified that the taxes related to the gambling sector (gaming and betting, excise duty on stakes and withholding tax on winnings) totalled Ksh 22.3 billion in FY 2023/2024.
“The industry directly employs over 10,000 Kenyans, supports over 500,000 livelihoods indirectly, and contributes substantial amounts in community projects under corporate social responsibility (CSR),” she said.
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According to the board, a majority of adult Kenyans have gambled at least once in their lifetime, and a substantial percentage of Kenyan youth have participated in betting and gambling activities.
“Most of sports bettors use smartphones, making online platforms the predominant channel,” BCLB said.
The sector is projected to generate Ksh 20 billion in 2025, including excise duty, withholding tax, and betting and gaming tax.
Mwikali stated that this reflects robust but regulated growth. “These figures underscore both the popularity of licensed gambling and the critical imperative for continued strong oversight,” she added.
“The oversight is set to be strengthened by passing into law of the Gambling Control Bill, 2023, which is in the legislative process.”
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To address gambling-related issues, the Board stated that it has organised public sensitisation campaigns, recognising that gambling is a demerit good.
The nationwide civic education will continue through county workshops, media talk shows, school programs, and various media platforms to highlight the risks of problem gambling.
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Additionally, the Board outlined several measures:
- Technology Deployment: Using advanced technology to monitor licensed operators in real time, detect unlicensed sites, and swiftly implement administrative and regulatory sanctions.
- Enforcement Measures: Conducting regular audits, surprise inspections, and revoking licenses for non-compliant operators.
- Responsible Gaming Policies: Requiring all licensed applicants to submit responsible gaming guidelines, policies, and CSR initiatives as part of their application.
- Self-Exclusion Program: Revamping and launching a national self-exclusion program to allow individuals to voluntarily bar themselves from all gambling services.
- Health and Counselling Services: Expanding collaborations with health institutions and non-governmental organisations to provide counselling for those affected by gambling. Operators will also be required to install 24/7 hotlines and provide inpatient treatment for individuals suffering from gambling addiction.
- Funding for Rehabilitation: Advocating for a portion of total gross gaming revenue to be allocated to addiction prevention and rehabilitation services.
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