The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has strongly disputed recent reports suggesting that Kenyans spent a staggering Sh766 billion on gambling in the past year.

In a statement to the media, BCLB Chairperson Jane Makau indicated that the figure published in sections of the media is a gross misrepresentation of the sector's scope.

Makau attributed the inflated amount to the possible inclusion of various offshore, unlicensed betting platforms whose operations are beyond the ambit of the Board.

“This misleads policymakers and the public on the economic reality of licensed operators,” argued Makau.

She added: “In fact, taxes related to the gambling sector (gaming and betting, excise duty on stakes and withholding tax on winnings) totaled Sh22.3 billion in FY 2023/2024.”

Read More

  1. Bolt witnesses 46 per cent drop in offline trips as new safety measures take effect
  2. Musk's DOGE scraps over Sh10 billion in Kenyan deals over 'wasteful' expenditure
  3. Seven green innovators graduate from UK-backed accelerator in Kenya

She intimated that the reported Sh766 billion amounts to close to 31 per cent of Kenya’s total national revenue, a share not aligning with the licensed industry's economic footprint.

BCLB projects that the gambling sector in Kenya will generate Sh20 billion in revenue in 2025 (including excise duty, withholding tax, and betting and gaming levies), heralding a steady but regulated growth.

“It reflects robust but regulated growth. These figures underscore both the popularity of licensed gambling and the critical imperative for continued strong oversight,” she stated.

Makau emphasized that the forthcoming Gambling Control Bill, 2023, which is currently in the legislative pipeline, is expected to bolster the regulatory framework in the country.

According to the BCLB chairperson, the bill is seeking to enhance oversight and address the varied emerging challenges within Kenya’s fast-evolving digital gambling landscape.

She added that the licensed and regulated gambling operations directly employ more than 10,000 Kenyans and indirectly support more than 500,000 livelihoods across the country.

BCLB is leveraging advanced technology to monitor operators in real-time, identify illegal platforms, and enforce regulatory action given most bettors are now using smartphones.

Further, BCLB announced that it had launched nationwide public awareness campaigns on various platforms to help tackle the potential harms associated with gambling.

“The current gaming activities demand a united, multi‑sectoral response. This calls for continued industry collaboration, legislative reform, and public education.

“The Board and its partners are committed to protecting vulnerable Kenyans and preserving the social and economic health of our communities.”