Casinos & Gambling Industry in Kenya
Kenya is one of the few countries in the African Continent with a large market. In addition to that, it’s also one of the few countries that legalize gambling. Kenyans are supportive of online gambling. This includes online casino games and sports betting. This has helped its gambling sector grow throughout the years.
The incredible growth in the gambling sector is due to a few factors. One of them is a high-speed internet connection. This makes internet gambling convenient for Kenyan players. With a high internet speed, players enjoy live betting and live casino deals with a smooth transition.
The increase in smartphones is another factor in why the gambling sector has progressed. Online casinos and sports betting sites also offer mobile apps. This makes it more convenient for players who are on the go. With more smartphones showing up these days, it’s no doubt why players would install casino apps on their phones for convenient access. Lastly, M-Pesa (mobile money) also helped grow the gambling industry. It’s become a popular service for online payment in the country. It has made funding online casinos and online bookmakers through retail outlets.
Online Gambling Laws in Kenya
The Gaming Act of 1966 allowed the operation of land-based casinos within Kenya. Additionally, it permits most gambling activities, including casinos, betting, lottery, and slots. The Betting Control and Licensing Board regulates these land-based gambling operations. Once online gambling was introduced to the country in 2011, the BCLB started issuing local and foreign operator licenses. Players were able to access both local and international sites without boundaries.
In 2019, the Data Protection Act of 2019 was introduced. According to the law, all gambling providers must be aware of and comply with set rules when collecting personal data from players. In the same year, a new bill was proposed. The New Gambling Act of 2020 aims to raise the legal age to 18, review taxes on betting revenue, boost betting control, and persuade people to “gamble responsibly.” The law proposed increasing the taxes that online gambling sites pay. In addition to that, it also proposed charging both online casinos and land-based gambling venues for licensing fees.
Online betting sites and Bingo are also licensed and regulated by the BCLB. This makes playing online bingo in Kenya safe.
Payment Methods in Kenya
Gambling sites in Kenya provide different payment methods for their users. Kenya also has its local payment service provider, making depositing to online casinos convenient. Here are some of the payment methods available in Kenya:
- Credit/Debit Cards
- Visa
- Master Card
- Maestro
- Digital Wallets
- PayPal
- Skrill
- Neteller
- Mobile Money Transfer Service
- M-Pesa
- Safaricom
- Airtel Money
- Bank Transfer
Digital wallets are a popular payment method in Kenya. On the other hand, bank transfers aren’t recommended since payments take 2-10 days to process. If you want your deposit to reflect on your account immediately, go for digital wallets or mobile money transfer services.
How to Bet Online in Kenya
Kenya’s global market is mainly conquered by sports betting, with football as the most popular sport to bet on. This makes betting online in Kenya made it easy for interested players. The first thing to do is to choose a betting site. Of course, choosing one from the best betting sites is highly recommended. Here are some betting sites that you can check out:
- Betway
- Melbet
- Betting
- 1xBet
- Mozzartbet
- Betwinner
- Bet365
- 22Bet
- Unibet
- Tonybet
You can either choose one from the list or your preferred betting site. The next step is to sign up for an account on your chosen betting site. The sign-up process is relatively easy as instructions are also clearly given by the betting site. Claim your welcome bonus when signing up since betting sites usually offer this to welcome new players. Once you’ve created an account, make a deposit. Choose the most convenient payment method. Once you’ve made a deposit, you can start placing bets. You can browse through your betting site’s selection of sports, start betting and wait for your wins.
Online Games in Kenya
Kenya is a country that has a large number of gamers, and this is because of the availability of internet connections and devices. The country has been one of the top African gamers and is expected to continue its winning streak in the future. Online gaming also has some educational benefits for students as well as teachers. It allows them to interact with their peers from other parts of the world and learn about different cultures through playing games such as Minecraft and League of Legends. The government has also regulated online gaming to encourage responsible gaming.
FAQ for Kenyan Players
Are Online Casinos in Kenya Safe?
Yes. The BCLB regulates online casinos in Kenya. The Data Protection Act of 2019 has also ensured that gambling operators keep players’ personal data well.
How High is Gambling Today in Kenya?
As of December 2021, 84% of the youth in Kenya have experienced betting.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Kenya?
Yes. Online Gambling has been legal and regulated in Kenya since 2011.