Raising the Gambling Age and Establishing Minimum Bets to be Implemented in Kenya

New Gambling Control Bill Introduces Stricter Regulations in Kenya

In a bid to curb underage and excessive gambling, the Kenyan government has signed into law the Gambling Control Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 70 of 2023). The new law, effective from August 7, 2025, raises the legal betting age to 21 years and establishes stricter regulatory frameworks for the gambling sector.

The legislation introduces the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya, which replaces the Betting Control and Licensing Board. This new authority is tasked with ensuring a safer gambling environment and promoting responsible gaming practices.

One of the key changes is the minimum online bet amount, set at 20 Kenyan Shillings. Betting below this amount is prohibited, and violators could face a fine of not less than 5 million Ksh or imprisonment for up to five years. The law also mandates that online gamblers must be registered players with verified accounts, and operators are required to implement mechanisms to prevent children from registering and gambling online.

MP Beatrice Elachi, who supports the reforms, stated that they are necessary to protect young people from the influence of powerful gambling interests. Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah also backs the new bill, which includes stricter oversight of betting ads on radio and TV.

The bill's push for a safer gambling environment continues with tightened advertising rules. Operators found breaking the proposed age rules could face strict penalties. The list of licensed gaming operators allowed to continue their services after the 30-day extension expires includes leading operators like Betika, Odibets, Betpawa, and Flamingobets.

However, the proposal to raise the legal betting age from 18 to 21 is facing opposition from some Kenyans who argue that 18-year-olds should be trusted to gamble responsibly. A trader at Nairobi's Gikomba Market commented that if 18-year-olds are mature enough to vote or serve in the military, they are mature enough to spend their money on sports betting if they so wish.

As the bill moves forward, it is expected to bring significant changes to the gambling sector in Kenya, aiming to discourage irresponsible gambling and promote a safer, more regulated environment.

Key Points:

The legal betting age is raised to 21 years.
The minimum online bet amount is set at Ksh 20.
Violators could face fines of up to Ksh 5 million or imprisonment for up to five years.
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya is established.
Online gamblers must be registered players with verified accounts.
Operators are required to implement mechanisms to prevent children from registering and gambling online.
The bill aims to curb underage and excessive gambling.
The bill includes stricter oversight of betting ads on radio and TV.
Leading operators like Betika, Odibets, Betpawa, and Flamingobets are included in the list of licensed gaming operators.
The bill is facing opposition from some Kenyans who argue that 18-year-olds should be trusted to gamble responsibly.

Raising the Gambling Age and Establishing Minimum Bets to be Implemented in Kenya