Kenya’s gambling industry is set for a major transformation after President William Ruto officially signed the Gambling Control Bill 2023 into law on Thursday, August 7, 2025. The new legislation introduces a sweeping overhaul of the sector, tightening regulations and introducing strict new standards for both gambling operators and players.
One of the most striking features of the new law is the enforcement of a minimum bet requirement. Players will no longer be allowed to place bets for less than Ksh20 on any online gambling platform. Operators who fail to enforce this threshold face severe consequences — including fines of at least Ksh5 million or a prison term of up to five years.
The bill also mandates that all gamblers must register on the platforms they use. Operators must implement robust systems to verify that users are above the legal age and prevent minors from participating in any gambling activities. Proof of age will be a strict prerequisite before any user account can be created.
In a move to protect players’ winnings, the bill now requires that gambling companies transfer monetary prizes to winners within two days. Any non-cash rewards must be delivered no later than seven days after the win.
To enforce these regulations, the bill establishes the Gambling Regulatory Authority — a new body tasked with overseeing licensing, enforcing compliance, and ensuring transparency in the gambling sector. This authority will also develop systems that allow real-time tracking of gambling activities, including casino and online betting operations, with the capability for monitoring by the Communications Authority of Kenya.
Before being granted an online gambling license, operators must meet a stringent set of criteria. These include ensuring cybersecurity, preventing criminal abuse, implementing safeguards against underage and vulnerable users, responsible advertising, and compliance with data protection standards.
Additionally, anyone applying for a license must submit a comprehensive gambling control system for review, which the Authority can either approve as-is or request modifications to.
This law signals Kenya’s strong commitment to modernising its gambling landscape while prioritising responsible gaming, player protection, and strict oversight.
