Gambling License Cost In Kenya

Posted : admin On 3/18/2022

The Kenya government and gambling operators in the country have been at loggerheads for the last few months as the government believes casino operators are not complying with their regulations. One of the biggest factors that has upset the Kenyan government is that it was able to collect only in gaming taxes when casino operators made a combined total of Sh204 billion.

Casino operators in Kenya were supposed to have their licenses renewed by July 1, 2019. However, that hasn’t happened as the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) decided to send a strong message by cancelling a number of licenses and deferring the renewal of some licenses indefinitely.

About The National Gambling Board is responsible for the oversight of the regulation in the gambling industry throughout the country and to preserve the integrity of South Africa as a responsible global citizen. Q&A: Gambling Regulation in Kenya A new Gaming Act is currently pending before the Kenyan parliament, which would replace the current legislation dating back to 1966. In fact, bars must acquire licenses from performance rights organizations, or PROs, such as BMI, ASCAP, or SESAC in order to legally play music. While this may not seem important, playing unlicensed music can cost a business six figures in fines. However, it’s not just playing recorded music that requires a license.

The tough stance taken by the BCLB has impacted will impact 19 casino operators who have had their licenses cancelled. The BCLB decided to indefinitely defer the licenses of 8 casino operators which will impact 6 lotteries and 13 casinos.

Betin which is one of the biggest casino operators in Kenya was one of those companies that had their license cancelled. The company has decided to take the legal route and see if it can get that decision overturned.

While the licenses of these casino operators have either been cancelled or deferred indefinitely, it hasn’t stopped them from continuing to offer services in Kenya which technically makes it an illegal operation.

The Kenyan government will continue to impose stringent measures to shake casino operators. The next move is a crackdown on the top management of these betting firms in the country. There are reports that the top bosses of these gambling firms will be asked to leave the country shortly.

Government Cites Problem Gambling

The government has chosen to place the emphasis on the growing concern of problem gambling numbers in the country for its tough stance. A recent GeoPoll survey shows that more than 40 percent of low income Kenyan gamblers do not have a job and another 27 percent are students.

Kenya is the third biggest betting market in Africa and is expected to generate as much as Sh500 billion by the end of 2020. The government stands to lose a lot if it closes its gambling industry as employment opportunities, tax revenue and foreign investment will be lost.

Casino operators in Kenya have so far not responded to the government’s reluctance to renew their licenses.

Carolyn is our legislation expert, with a background in law she is able to cover the current state of gambling around the world