The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), on July 16, proposed a raft of new measures to tighten regulation of gambling in Kenya, amid rising public concern over the spread of unregulated online games like Aviator.
The proposals were unveiled during a meeting between BCLB officials and the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning, probing the Aviator game following a statement sought by Gilgil lawmaker Martha Wangari.
She had raised concerns over its addictive nature, targeting vulnerable groups, and questionable licensing status.
“I rise to seek a statement from the chairperson of the Committee on Finance regarding the measures being taken by the government in respect to its mandate of regulating and controlling gaming activities in Kenya, specifically the so-called Aviator game of chance,” said Hon. Wangari.
The committee session, chaired by Molo MP Kimani Kuria, comes ahead of debate on the Gambling Control Bill, which is expected before Parliament on July 22, 2025.
New Regulatory Requirements
BCLB Director Peter Mbugi told MPs that the Board intends to introduce tighter licensing conditions and operational standards.
Key among the new proposals is a requirement for all individuals registering on betting platforms to take photos of themselves holding their national identity cards.
He said this will prevent minors from gambling using their parents’ details.
Mbugi also disclosed that betting outlets will face stricter capital requirements. Small-scale operators, often referred to as “Muaka,” will be required to have a minimum capital base of Ksh50 million, while casinos and national lottery operators will need at least Ksh5 billion.
He added that applicants will be expected to demonstrate access to capital of not less than Ksh200 million.
At present, application fees for gambling licenses stand at Ksh10,000, with annual licensing costs ranging between Ksh400,000 for small firms and Ksh1 million for large-scale operators.
Oversight and Industry Risks
Mbugi revealed that in 2024, the number of licensed betting companies rose to 236.
He warned that offshore websites offering illegal gambling services continue to penetrate the market, putting users at risk due to lack of oversight.
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“The Communications Authority of Kenya flagged down 106 illegal gambling websites in the past one year alone,” he said.
Mbugi urged Parliament to pass the Gambling Control Bill, citing outdated legal frameworks currently in use.
“The board is operating under a law that was enacted in 1966 to govern modern-day business enterprises,” he noted.
Public Safety and Responsible Gaming
The BCLB director classified gambling as a demerit good comparable to alcohol and tobacco, stressing that overindulgence can lead to addiction and financial ruin.
He called for increased public sensitization, investment in monitoring technologies, and adequate funding for the Board to meet its regulatory mandate.
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“The Board aspires to have a well-regulated gaming industry that can guarantee public protection, optimal revenue generation, responsible gambling, and investment growth,” he stated.
The Committee is expected to prepare recommendations on the proposed regulatory changes as Parliament prepares to debate the Gambling Control Bill.
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