The Kenya Gambling Control Bill 2023 Aims to Make Significant Changes to the Regulation of the Gambling Sector in Kenya

The Kenya Gambling Control Bill 2023 aims to make significant changes to the regulation of the gambling sector in Kenya. Here are some key points:

1. Establishment of a Gambling Regulatory Authority:
   • The bill proposes the creation of a new Gambling Regulatory Authority to replace the current Betting, Control and Licensing Board (BCLB).
   • This authority would regulate and control betting activities, issue licenses, set standards and norms for various forms of gambling.
2. Licensing Conditions and Taxes:
   • Betting firms operating in Kenya would face demanding licensing conditions.
   • A 15% tax on gross gambling revenue is proposed, along with a monthly gambling levy to be determined by the relevant government department.
   • Gambling firms would need to deposit an insurance security bond or bank guarantee with the government to cover potential liabilities arising from licensed gambling activities.
3. Specific Requirements for Different Gambling Activities:
   • Different types of gambling activities, such as casinos, online gambling, and national lotteries, would have specific deposit requirements (e.g., Sh20 million for casinos, Sh200 million for online gambling and national lottery).
   • Operating permits would be issued by county governments at a fee determined by the counties.
4. Player Registration and Protection Measures:
   • The bill prohibits the registration of children for online games, lotteries, or betting.
   • Licensees are not allowed to let anyone participate as a player unless they are registered and hold an account with the licensee.
5. Corporate Structure and Citizen Ownership:
   • An entity seeking a license must be a corporate body with a minimum of 30% shares held by Kenyan citizens.
   • It must operate a bank account with a Kenyan-registered bank.
6. Regulation of Media Companies:
   • Media companies holding gambling licenses are prohibited from using their licenses for gambling activities or using their broadcast frequencies to advertise or promote gambling products.
7. Enforcement and Offenses:
   • The bill gives the authority the power to renew, suspend, and revoke licenses.
   • There are penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for offenses such as promoting unauthorized lotteries.
8. Charitable Lotteries:
   • The bill allows for the issuance of licenses for public lotteries intended to raise funds for charitable purposes, with a requirement that at least 30% of the proceeds be devoted to the specified charitable objectives.

It’s important to note that the details provided here are based on the information available in your message, and for a comprehensive understanding, one would need to review the full text of the proposed bill and any subsequent amendments or discussions in Parliament.

SOURCE: LI Contributor.