Kenya’s gaming regulator has debunked claims that players in the country spent Ksh 766bn (approximately £4.4bn) on gambling in 2024.
The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) issued a statement to address the report, conducted by GeoPoll and titled Betting in Africa 2024, claiming that the figure “inaccurately inflates the size of the regulated market” by including figures from offshore platforms.
Reports had further claimed that Kenyans bet Ksh 24,000 (£139) per second, amounting to Ksh 2.1bn (£12.2m daily).
However, Dr Jane Mwikali Makau, Chair of the BCLB, said that the data misleads policymakers and the public on the economic reality of licensed operators in Kenya.
She clarified that taxes related to the gambling sector totalled Ksh 22.3bn (£129.3m) in the 2023/24 financial year, comprising contributions from gaming and betting excise duty on stakes and withholding tax on winnings.
“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),” added Mwikali.
The BCLB has estimated tax revenue from the sector in 2025 to be Ksh 20bn.
New regulation
As scrutiny over the prevalence of gambling in Kenya continues, the country awaits the approval of the Gambling Control Bill 2023.
The new legislation, most recently approved by the National Assembly in February after rejecting several amendments proposed by the Senate, seeks to regulate the betting and gaming industry to ensure tax compliance and protect citizens from exploitative practices.
The bill will introduce new licensing conditions and increased compliance measures, as well as mandate a 15% gaming tax on all gaming revenue. Enforcement of these activities will be conducted by the BCLB.
On the tax revenue estimations and the prospect of new regulation, Mwikali concluded: “These figures underscore both the popularity of licensed gambling and the critical imperative for continued strong oversight.
“The oversight is set to be strengthened by passing into law of the Gambling Control Bill, 2023, which is in the legislative process.”
