The Gambling Regulatory Authority Takes Over in Kenya

01 November 2026

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya (GRA) completed its takeover of betting regulation from the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) in February 2024, following the passage of the Gambling Control Act 2023. The new regime aims to promote responsible gambling and enhance consumer protection through stricter oversight and mandatory tools for limiting play.

Under the Gambling Control Act 2023, the GRA is now responsible for issuing licenses, overseeing marketing and advertising, and enforcing rules on fair play. All existing BCLB licenses remain valid until their expiration. After that, licensees must apply to the GRA for a new permit.

A key change is the introduction of stringent responsible gambling tools. As of February 2024, all licensed online gambling operators in Kenya are required by the Gambling Control (Conduct of Gambling Operations) Regulations to provide players with daily, weekly, and monthly deposit limits, loss limits, session and expenditure limits, reality checks, and an option to self-exclude for at least 24 hours.

These tools are designed to help players control their gambling activity and prevent excessive spending. For instance, deposit limits allow players to cap how much they can pay into their betting accounts over various periods. Loss limits restrict the amount a player can lose in a session, while session timers automatically log out the player after a set duration to remind them to take a break. Reality checks are pop-up notifications that display the player's net position for the session every 30 or 60 minutes.

Moreover, Section 115 of the Gambling Control Act 2023 enables players to enter a self-exclusion agreement with a licensee, obliging the operator to close the account, return remaining funds, and stop marketing to that person. The GRA maintains a central self-exclusion register that all licensees must check in real time, preventing excluded persons from placing bets, opening new accounts, or receiving promotions.

It is crucial to note that these responsible gambling tools are only available through licensed operators. Unlicensed, offshore sites operating in Kenya are not subject to local regulations and do not provide these protections to players. The Gambling Control Act 2023 forbids operators from providing credit to players, requiring all bets to be made with funds already deposited in the account.

The new regulatory framework also mandates that all betting operators set up customer care centers in Kenya to handle player complaints. If a dispute cannot be resolved, it can be escalated to the GRA for further action, including the potential revocation of a license for breaching the Act.

While the Gambling Control Act 2023 and its associated regulations detail specific requirements for responsible gambling tools, they do not impose mandatory limits or specific amounts on deposit, loss, or session limits. The decision to set limits and the chosen amounts remain with the player, with operators required to provide these tools but not force players to use them.

The GRA's takeover and the associated regulatory changes represent a significant shift in the Kenyan gambling landscape. With more stringent oversight, mandatory responsible gambling tools, and enhanced consumer protections, the GRA aims to create a safer and more controlled betting environment for Kenyan players. However, the effectiveness of these measures in the long term and the future state of Kenya's gambling regulations remain to be seen as the new system continues to evolve.