BCLB dispels reports of USD 5.92 billion betting spend by Kenyans
The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has dismissed reports that Kenyans spent Sh766 billion (USD 5.92 billion) on betting and gambling activities. In a statement to clear the air, BCLB chairperson Jane Makau explained that the figure does not accurately capture the economic reality of regulated operators in the sector, as it includes information from offshore and unlicensed sites.
“This misinforms the public and policymakers on the economic reality of licensed operators,” Makau said. She highlighted that the figure has been highly inflated and should not be employed as a measure of the local gaming market.
The economic impact of legalised gambling
Underpinned by figures, Makau disclosed that tax revenues from gambling activities amounted to Sh22.3 billion (USD 172.12 million) in the 2023/2024 financial year. The notable tax revenue illustrates the importance of legalised gambling to the economy. “In fact, gambling taxation (gaming and betting, excise tax on stakes, and withholding tax on winnings) amounted to Sh22.3 billion (USD 172.12 million) in FY 2023/2024,” she disclosed.
To put the Sh766 billion (USD 5.92 billion) claim in perspective, Makau said it would be equivalent to 31% of the national revenue. She also estimated that gambling and betting are projected to yield Sh20 billion by 2025. The estimate is consistent with the steady growth of the industry, which is regulated tightly. “It reflects strong but regulated growth,” she claimed, adding, “These figures point to both the popularity of licensed gambling and the need for ongoing strong regulation.”
The gambling industry will be regulated more effectively, especially with the enactment of the Gambling Control Bill, 2023, which was passed by the National Assembly earlier this year. The bill seeks to strengthen the regulatory framework governing the industry, thus ensuring the protection of vulnerable persons and responsible gambling.
Dedication to responsible gaming
Makau emphasised the need to examine the social impacts associated with gambling, noting that the majority of gamblers utilise mobile phones, thereby making online sites the primary forum for gambling operations. “This statewide civic education will also be carried on through county workshops, media chat shows, school programs, and media to highlight the risks of problem gambling further,” she said.
To facilitate this education, the BCLB will collaborate with health and non-governmental organisations to provide counselling to gamblers in Kenya. “The current gaming activities need an integrated, multi‑sectoral response,” stated Makau. This is a system-wide framework for overseeing licensed operators, detecting unlicensed sites, and imposing swift administrative and regulatory sanctions against offenders.
Among various initiatives, the board has implemented a national self-exclusion scheme that allows individuals to exclude themselves from all gambling services voluntarily. According to Makau, the program has proven effective, as several requests for reports of self-exclusion have been made.
In her concluding statement, despite recent expenditure, Makau emphasised the BCLB’s steadfast commitment to community well-being, saying, “The Board and its partners are committed to shielding vulnerable Kenyans and maintaining the social and economic health of our communities.” The efforts of the BCLB have been acknowledged, as they directly benefit more than 10,000 Kenyans and indirectly support more than 500,000 livelihoods. Furthermore, licensed operators are also doing their part by injecting significant funds into community initiatives through corporate social responsibility (CSR).
While the reports of Kenyans using Sh766 billion to gamble have been discredited, the BCLB remains focused on establishing a secure, regulated gambling space. With ongoing reforms and public awareness campaigns, the board aims to maintain the integrity of the gambling sector while protecting the well-being of its citizens.
