Kenya Gambling Control Bill 2023 Proposes New Regulator and Sweeping reform
Kenya has introduced a Gambling Control Bill in an effort to establish a new Gambling Regulatory Authority.
The Gambling Control Bill 2023, currently under consideration by parliament aims to establish a new Gambling Regulatory Authority in Kenya. This new Authority will take over the responsibilities of the existing Betting, Control and Licensing Board (BCLB). It will be responsible for both licensing and regulation.
The bill will regulate various forms of gambling, including betting, casinos, prize competitions, public lotteries, and media promotions. Sponsored by National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah, the bill aims to crack down on unlicensed and underage gambling by introducing stricter measures. Measures like, higher taxes, fines for offenses, as well as prohibit the registration of children for any gambling activity.
Additionally, the bill will ban gambling advertisements on radios and TV stations between 6am and 10pm. Licensed operators to have a minimum of 30% shares held by Kenyan citizens and facilitate transactions through a Kenyan-registered bank.
Read Also: Jobs in Gaming: Exploring Opportunities for Africans in the iGaming Industry in Africa – Webinar
Operators to deposit a bank guarantee or insurance security bond to cover any unlicensed gambling activity. The bill sets the deposit amounts at KES20 million for casinos and KES200 million for online sports betting and lotteries.
The Authority will assume the responsibility of granting licenses for all lotteries that aim to generate funds for charitable purposes. Furthermore, a minimum of 30% of the proceeds from these lotteries must be allocated towards the specific charitable cause they support.
Any individual or organization found promoting an unlicensed lottery will face a hefty fine of KES1 million or imprisonment for up to one year. In addition, the Gambling Control Bill enforces a 15% tax on the total revenue generated from gambling activities. Also a monthly gambling levy determined by local counties.
This recent bill aligns with Kenya’s finance bill enacted into law in 2022. It introduced a 7.5% tax on betting stakes.
Source: iGB
