NAIROBI, Kenya – The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has moved to address rising concerns over gambling in Kenya, offering clarification and outlining its strategic measures to protect citizens from the potential dangers of gambling.
The Chairperson of the Board, Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau, issued a detailed statement addressing several key issues, including the social impacts of the gambling sector and the efforts being made to ensure the industry operates responsibly.
Dr. Makau’s remarks come at a time when the gambling industry is experiencing significant growth.
BCLB reports that a large majority of adult Kenyans have engaged in gambling at least once in their lifetime, with a notable increase in youth participation.
Smartphones have made online betting more accessible, with many young people turning to digital platforms for sports betting.
The sector is expected to generate KES 20 billion by 2025, reflecting its robust yet tightly regulated growth.
However, concerns over the societal impact of gambling have grown, especially regarding the risks it poses to public health and well-being.
The BCLB addressed a sensational claim that Kenyans spent KES 766 billion on gambling in 2024.
Dr. Makau clarified that this figure was misleading, as it likely included unlicensed offshore gambling platforms.
In reality, the licensed gambling sector contributed KES 22.3 billion in taxes for the 2023/2024 financial year.
The industry also provides direct employment to over 10,000 Kenyans and supports more than 500,000 livelihoods indirectly.
One of the primary concerns raised by the public has been the potential link between gambling and suicide, particularly among young people.
To address this, Dr. Makau emphasized that the BCLB has a fully operational complaints section and pointed out that no suicide-related complaints have been received so far.
In a bid to tackle the underlying issues, the board is ramping up its public education efforts, including nationwide campaigns in schools, counties, and through the media.
These initiatives aim to raise awareness about the risks associated with problem gambling and provide resources for individuals in need of support.
The BCLB also introduced stricter advertising guidelines and implemented advanced digital monitoring systems to track the activities of licensed gambling operators in real time.
The Gambling Control Bill, 2023, currently in legislative review, aims to further tighten regulations by enhancing consumer protection, limiting youth-targeted promotions, and mandating responsible gambling messages across all media.
Additionally, the board is improving the self-exclusion program, which allows individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from gambling services.
This program will be bolstered with support from health institutions and NGOs that provide counseling and treatment for gambling addiction.
BCLB has also called for a percentage of the gambling revenue to be allocated to addiction prevention and rehabilitation services.
As gambling continues to evolve in Kenya, BCLB remains committed to balancing industry growth with the need to protect vulnerable populations.
Dr. Makau concluded by stressing the importance of a collaborative approach, involving government, industry players, and the public, to ensure that gambling contributes positively to the economy without undermining the social fabric of the nation.
With these comprehensive measures in place, BCLB aims to ensure a safer gambling environment in Kenya, where both the economic benefits and potential social risks are carefully managed.
