The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), on July 16, proposed a raft of latest measures to tighten regulation of playing in Kenya, amid rising public concern over the unfold of unregulated on-line video games like Aviator.
The proposals have been unveiled throughout a gathering between BCLB officers and the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning, probing the Aviator recreation following an announcement sought by Gilgil lawmaker Martha Wangari.
She had raised issues over its addictive nature, focusing on weak teams, and questionable licensing standing.
“I rise to hunt an announcement from the chairperson of the Committee on Finance relating to the measures being taken by the federal government in respect to its mandate of regulating and controlling gaming actions in Kenya, particularly the so-called Aviator recreation of likelihood,” stated Hon. Wangari.
The committee session, chaired by Molo MP Kimani Kuria, comes forward of debate on the Gambling Control Bill, which is anticipated earlier than Parliament on July 22, 2025.
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New Regulatory Requirements
BCLB Director Peter Mbugi instructed MPs that the Board intends to introduce tighter licensing circumstances and operational requirements.
Key among the many new proposals is a requirement for all people registering on betting platforms to take images of themselves holding their nationwide id playing cards.
He stated this can stop minors from playing utilizing their mother and father’ particulars.
Mbugi additionally disclosed that betting retailers will face stricter capital necessities. Small-scale operators, also known as “Muaka,” shall be required to have a minimal capital base of Ksh50 million, whereas casinos and nationwide lottery operators will want at the very least Ksh5 billion.
He added that candidates shall be anticipated to show entry to capital of not lower than Ksh200 million.
At current, software charges for playing licenses stand at Ksh10,000, with annual licensing prices ranging between Ksh400,000 for small corporations and Ksh1 million for large-scale operators.
Oversight and Industry Risks
Mbugi revealed that in 2024, the variety of licensed betting corporations rose to 236.
He warned that offshore web sites providing unlawful playing companies proceed to penetrate the market, placing customers in danger on account of lack of oversight.
“The Communications Authority of Kenya flagged down 106 unlawful playing web sites up to now one 12 months alone,” he stated.
Mbugi urged Parliament to cross the Gambling Control Bill, citing outdated authorized frameworks presently in use.
“The board is working underneath a regulation that was enacted in 1966 to control modern-day enterprise enterprises,” he famous.
Public Safety and Responsible Gaming
The BCLB director labeled playing as a demerit good corresponding to alcohol and tobacco, stressing that overindulgence can result in habit and monetary break.
He known as for elevated public sensitization, funding in monitoring applied sciences, and enough funding for the Board to fulfill its regulatory mandate.
“The Board aspires to have a well-regulated gaming trade that may assure public safety, optimum income era, accountable playing, and funding development,” he said.
The Committee is anticipated to arrange suggestions on the proposed regulatory modifications as Parliament prepares to debate the Gambling Control Bill.
