• Kenya is a fast-developing gambling market, with over half of the population engaged in the industry.
• Therefore, the government faces the need to take additional measures for customer protection and ensure that the sector operates transparently.
The gambling industry has shown an unprecedented rise in recent years, impacting all regions of the world. Kenya is no exception, with an annual growth rate standing at 5.6%. According to surveys, up to 82% of the country’s population gamble in one form or another, which shows increased customer interest in this entertainment. Such figures impact the state’s well-being due to the higher number of taxes, but still have drawbacks. It’s not a secret that online casinos can be addictive, negatively affecting users’ mental health. The country’s government has already launched specific gambling regulators, aiming to decrease the harmful impact of the sector on vulnerable individuals.
Legality of gambling in Kenya and regulatory bodies
According to the country’s regulations, gambling is only legit if conducted by licensed operators complying with the government’s requirements. Both domestic and overseas online casinos falling under this law can provide their services to Kenyan players.
Currently, the Betting Control and Licensing Board regulates all risky activities in the country, including lotteries, casino gaming, and betting. This body issues licences and provides recommendations on developing healthy gambling habits among the population. But still, gambling addiction rates are high, so let’s explore the latest measures implemented to cope with the problem.
Self-exclusion mechanisms
This tool has proven efficient in terms of coping with compulsive behaviours. It is seen from the British example, where GamStop is a nationwide program that must be integrated into all gaming and betting sites. However, it only covers operators licensed by UKGC. At the same time, those who choose casino games not on GamStop can only take advantage of alternative programs, allowing members to voluntarily self-exclude from all risky sites.
Unfortunately, Kenya doesn’t have any national self-exclusion that would cover all the platforms operating in the country. However, the Betting Control and Licensing Board offers users to voluntarily join the program if they notice the first symptoms of addiction. Players should contact the authority, after which they receive guidance on further actions. Gamblers can choose the self-exclusion term themselves; it varies from six months to five years. It allows users to ban all potentially harmful platforms while they take time for treatment.
Support tools for safer gaming in Kenya
Increasing user awareness about the problem is among the best ways of preventing gambling disorders. Therefore, several non-profit organisations informing users of possible negative consequences have already been established in Kenya. The Responsible Gambling Federation of Kenya is the main source for those prone to addiction. The authority concentrates on consumer protection and education to ensure a healthier approach to this risky entertainment. Moreover, it provides access to support groups and the National Gambling Helpline for those targeted by the disease.
Responsible gaming initiatives
Gaming Awareness Society in Kenya is another organisation offering assistance to problem players. It aims to make the country free from gambling harm and provide advice for those experiencing difficulties with compulsive behaviours in casinos. The resource also partners with Gamban, one of the most popular international self-exclusion options. Therefore, increasing awareness of potential difficulties is complemented by the possibility of resolving the challenge and beginning to participate in the program with a few clicks.
Casinos supporting safer gaming approach
Reputable online casinos operating in Kenya also must inform their users to gamble responsibly and provide resources to access helplines and treatment centres quickly. Educating users on limiting their budgets and controlling themselves when playing slots and games is essential to prevent addiction. Some gaming platforms implement AI tools to inform their members of excessive gambling activities and recommend taking a break. Moreover, many casinos implement user identification scanners to check whether they are self-excluded and search for ways to eliminate the ban.
Enhanced regulatory landscape in Kenya
The Betting Control and Licensing Board is now the central regulatory authority in Kenya, but the government is already working on the establishment of the new body. The Kenya Gambling Control Bill 2023 is still under discussion, but its aim is to improve the industry landscape. It’s supposed that it will provide stricter monitoring of all casinos in the country and implement all the available measures to prevent illegal activities. The authority will pay special attention to eliminating underage gambling by using all the available mechanisms. Moreover, the Kenya Gambling Control Bill 2023 is projected to add mandatory deposit limits for all players to ensure they avoid overspending and compulsive gaming, respectively.
Final thoughts
Kenya is a fast-developing gambling market, with over half of the population engaged in the industry. Therefore, the government faces the need to take additional measures for customer protection and ensure that the sector operates transparently. Gambling addiction is among the primary challenges that should be resolved as soon as possible. Kenyan regulatory authorities already offer numerous responsible gaming initiatives, helplines, and tools to increase customer awareness about the problem. The establishment of the Kenya Gambling Control Bill 2023 is another way to cope with addiction, as this authority would closely monitor the sector and provide more limitations.