Is Gambling Legal in Kenya?

Kenya is one of Africa’s leading gambling markets, built on a mobile-centred culture and strong passion for sports. Mobile money, especially M-Pesa, has made betting simple and accessible, with almost nine in ten players betting by phone. Football drives the market, while lotteries and casino-style games add to the mix.

The Gambling Control Act 2025 replaced Kenya’s long-standing Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act of 1966 and created the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA). Licences now last three years, but operators must meet tougher compliance standards before obtaining one. With strong betting activity and a mobile-first market, Kenya offers clear opportunities for long-term growth in East Africa.

Online Gambling in Kenya

Regulatory Authority	Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA)
Key legislation	The Gambling Control Act (2025)
Allowed activities	Among others: licensed online sports betting and pool betting online casino games (slots, table games, live dealer) offered under a GRA licence online lotteries and prize competitions gambling platform/software provision (suppliers must also be licensed)
Prohibited activities	Among others: operating without a valid GRA licence failing to meet the minimum 30% Kenyan ownership requirement or the KES 100 million financial guarantee offering online gambling without real-time revenue monitoring linked to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) using celebrity endorsements in online advertising running promotions without responsible gambling warnings, age disclaimers, or licence numbers
Taxation and fees	5% of excise duty 5% of withholding tax 15% of GGR
Licence validity/duration	3 years
Benefits of the market	Large, mobile-first player base About 88% of Kenyan gamblers place bets via mobile phones. With M-Pesa enabling instant deposits and withdrawals, betting is easy across cities and villages, even for players without bank accounts. High betting participation and engagement More than 80% of adults have placed a bet, with football leading the way. Weekly jackpots and a strong sporting culture keep players highly active and engaged.
SOFTSWISS products compliant	No products available at the moment

Land-Based Gambling in Kenya

Key legislation	The Gambling Control Act (2025)
Allowed activities	Among others: land-based casinos gaming machines/slot machines betting shops and bookmakers lotteries prize competitions and promotional lotteries
Prohibited activities	Among others: gambling without a valid licence allowing under-18s to participate in gambling operating unapproved gambling devices or premises gambling in unlicensed premises or outside approved hours advertising gambling in a misleading or unapproved manner
Taxation	5% of excise duty 5% of withholding tax 15% of GGR

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