Over 50% of Young Adults Engaging in Gambling in Kenya
Nairobi, Kenya: 13th January 2025. Sharp Vision and iGaming AFRIKA have recently conducted a data-gathering exercise to gain a deeper understanding of the gambling ecosystem in Kenya, specifically exploring its impact and trends throughout the country.
This effort involved interviewing over 1000 individuals across various areas of Nairobi and its immediate outskirts, yielding several key insights.
First, gambling has experienced a significant surge in popularity, particularly among young adults aged 18 to 35, with more than 50% of respondents reporting engagement in some form of gambling over the past year.
Online gambling platforms have become especially dominant, with over 70% of gamblers preferring mobile-based betting due to their accessibility and convenience.
The motivations behind gambling vary, with the thrill of winning being the primary draw. Many participants also cited a belief in skill-based outcomes and, for some, a sense of financial desperation as reasons for their participation.
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However, the social consequences of gambling are notable, with nearly 40% of respondents acknowledging the adverse effects on personal relationships and financial stress linked to their gambling habits.
Despite regulatory efforts, there are still significant gaps in policies aimed at promoting responsible gaming and protecting vulnerable populations.
Angela Mwelu, Senior Vice President – Business Development – Africa. said, “With over 70% of gamblers in Kenya favoring online mobile platforms, our research underscores a transformative shift in the gambling landscape. It’s essential that we harness this trend not just for entertainment, but to implement responsible gaming practices that protect our youth and vulnerable populations.”
Jeremiah Maangi, CEO, iGaming AFRIKA said, “The alarming statistic of 50% of young adults in Kenya engaging in sports betting, coupled with the increasing reliance on mobile platforms, poses significant social implications. It’s crucial for operators, regulators, and stakeholders to collaborate and develop targeted interventions that promote responsible gaming and mitigate the risks associated with this growing trend.” –
These findings highlight the urgent need for a balanced approach that recognizes gambling as a popular form of entertainment while addressing addiction risks and financial strain.
The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), Kenya’s gaming regulator, is already leading many of these initiatives and is eager to pursue further measures, pending the Senate’s approval of the Gambling Control Bill 2023.
About iGaming AFRIKA
iGaming Afrika is a media website focused on informing the players in the African internet Gaming industry on all matters related to betting in Africa. This includes industry trending topics, news, press releases, opinion polls, interviews and podcasts. We take pride in being Africa’s leading Casino, Sportsbook and Lottery insider for news, podcasts, interviews and other gambling industry updates.
About Sharp Vision
Sharp Vision is at the forefront of implementing innovative gambling regulation solutions tailored for state actors. The company’s mission is to empower governments to effectively control gambling transactions within their jurisdictions and manage the financial flows associated with these activities.
Research Supported by: iGaming Consult Africa
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