The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has appealed for increased budgetary allocations to bolster its capacity to regulate the burgeoning gambling industry.

The board contends that despite generating substantial revenue for the government, it is underfunded and ill-equipped to effectively combat the rise of illegal gambling, both online and offline.

Appearing before the National Assembly’s departmental committee on administration and interior security, BCLB Director Peter Mbugi underscored the financial constraints hindering the board’s operations.

He revealed that in the 2023/2024 financial year, the board generated a commendable Sh256 million in revenue while operating on a meagre budget of Sh109 million, which included staff salaries.

Mbugi emphasised the critical need for adequate funding to bolster staffing, facilitate specialised training, and equip the board with the latest technology to effectively regulate the industry.

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"The Boards overall goal is to have a well-regulated gaming industry that can guarantee; Public protection, Revenue generation, Responsible gambling and Investment growth and Development of the Gaming Industry in Kenya. This goal can be achieved by providing the requisite support," he stated.

The BCLB is particularly concerned about the rapid growth of online gambling, which it says accounts for over 80 per cent of all gambling activity in Kenya.

To effectively monitor and regulate this sector, the board is calling for significant investments in technology and infrastructure.

“More than 80 per cent of gambling activity in Kenya today just like in many countries in the world is online and less brick and mortar. Given this scenario, deployment of adequate technology is the only sure way to adequately monitor and effectively regulate the industry,” Mbugi added.

In addition to increased funding, the BCLB is urging Parliament to expedite the passage of the Gambling Control Bill 2023.

The board believes that this legislation will provide a robust legal framework for the industry, enabling more effective regulation and oversight.

It is worth noting that the BCLB has contributed significantly to government coffers in recent years.

Through the issuance of licenses and permits, the board has generated over Sh894 million in the past five years.

Furthermore, it has facilitated the collection of taxes amounting to Sh88.4 billion during the same period