Kenya has introduced a new set of gambling regulations following the enactment of the Gambling Control Act, 2025, marking the most comprehensive regulatory framework the country’s gambling industry has seen to date.
The newly established Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) officially assumed regulatory responsibilities on 30 June 2026, replacing the Betting Control and Licensing Board.
New licensing framework
The Gambling Control (Licensing) Regulations 2026 set out revised licensing requirements for gambling operators. One of the final changes introduced by the GRA clarifies that operators offering both online sports betting and online casino gaming will not be eligible for a single hybrid licence. Instead, they must obtain separate licences for each activity.
The new regulations also increase licensing costs. Online bookmakers and online casino operators will each pay a licence fee of KES 50m ($387,500), while online lottery operators will pay KES 20m, in addition to application, renewal and annual operating fees. Minimum capital requirements have also been increased.
Operators must obtain and maintain a licence for every online gambling product they offer. In addition, businesses that supply gambling software, online platforms, gaming equipment or testing services are now required to obtain licences.
Before launching operations, gambling operators must complete an extensive pre-opening compliance process with the GRA. The regulations also establish a dedicated licensing regime for companies that provide gambling services exclusively to foreign markets.
Mandatory real-time monitoring and data integration
One of the cornerstone provisions of the new framework is the requirement for real-time regulatory monitoring of online gambling platforms. Operators must provide the GRA with real-time access through a secure application programming interface (API) and integrate their systems with both the Authority's Central Monitoring System and the National Gambling Register.
A new set of gambling regulations marks the most comprehensive regulatory framework to date
The regulations also strengthen technology and operational standards by requiring operators to encrypt player data and maintain business continuity and disaster recovery measures. Furthermore, operators must also store player data on servers located in Kenya unless the regulator grants a written exemption.
Strengthened player protection framework
Player protection measures have also been significantly strengthened. Operators must implement responsible gambling policies, robust age verification procedures and participate in a national self-exclusion programme.
Separately, the Kenyan government has proposed additional measures that would allow the suspension of betting accounts belonging to individuals affected by gambling addiction. Under one of the most significant proposals, family members and other third parties would be permitted to petition the GRA to exclude individuals from gambling if they exhibit signs of problem gambling or addiction.
Finally, operating an online gambling platform without regulatory approval would constitute a criminal offence punishable by a fine of up to KSH1 m, imprisonment for up to six months or both.
Possible penalties for unpaid winnings
Additional regulations would introduce tougher financial penalties for operators that fail to pay customer winnings. Licensees that do not settle winnings within 14 days would be liable for a penalty equal to 5% of the unpaid amount, payable to the Gambling Regulatory Authority.
If payment remains outstanding, the operator would also be required to pay the winner the unpaid amount plus interest at 5% per day for the following 21 days until the debt is settled. Continued non-compliance could also result in the suspension of the operator's licence.
The strict rules are intended to strengthen Kenya’s anti-money laundering regime by increasing oversight in a liquidity-heavy industry, as the country continues efforts to secure its removal from the FATF grey list
