Is Online Gambling Legal in Kenya? 2026 Guide

By Spinora Wins Editorial Team | Last updated: September 2026

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TL;DR: Kenya regulates online gambling by law. The Gambling Control Act 2025 (in force since August 2025) created online casino licences, a new regulator (the GRA), 30% Kenyan ownership, and 36-month licences. Winnings are taxed at 20% and an excise duty applies to stakes. Play only at licensed operators.

The Old Law: Cap 131

For decades Kenya's gambling industry ran under the Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act (Cap 131), a law written long before online casinos existed. Online gambling grew into a grey area: operators got BCLB licences under categories that were never designed for the internet, and regulation struggled to keep up with mobile betting.

The Gambling Control Act, 2025

In August 2025 President William Ruto signed the Gambling Control Act, 2025, which took effect on 16 August 2025. It replaces Cap 131 with a modern framework. Key changes:

A dedicated online casino licence. Anyone who wants to operate, sell or promote online gambling in Kenya must hold an online bookmaker, online lottery or online casino licence.
30% Kenyan ownership. Licensed operators must have at least 30% of their shares held by Kenyan citizens.
KSh 100 million security. Online operators must deposit a bank guarantee or insurance bond of KSh 100 million, so that only financially sound companies enter the market.
Licences valid 36 months. Applications are reviewed within 14 days, with a board decision within 30 days, and licences can be appealed to a tribunal.
Consumer protection. Self-exclusion programs, advertising limits, real-time monitoring of operators, anti-money-laundering rules and data protection.

Five subsidiary regulations under the Act came into effect on 1 July 2026, launching the first licensing cycle under the new regime.

BCLB to GRA: The Regulator Is Changing

The Act creates the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya (GRA) to replace the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB). In October 2025 the BCLB suspended processing of annual licence applications to allow the handover. Existing licence holders keep operating under their current licences until they expire.

For players, the practical message is simple: check that the operator you use holds a current licence. Our safety checklist shows how to verify.

Taxes: What Players Actually Pay

20% withholding tax on winnings. Kenya taxes betting and gaming winnings at 20%, withheld by the operator at payout. The Finance Act 2026 reintroduced this rate effective July 2026 after a period when winnings taxation was paused.
Excise duty on stakes. An excise duty applies to the amount you stake, deducted before the bet is accepted. The rate has changed over time and the Finance Act 2026 broadened the base, so the exact deduction can vary: check your bet slip or account history.

We are not tax advisors. If you win significant amounts, speak to a Kenyan tax professional rather than relying on a casino affiliate site.

Enforcement Against Illegal Sites

Kenya enforces its licensing rules. In 2025 the BCLB announced the immediate shutdown of 58 gambling platforms operating without approval. New online bettors at licensed operators must submit a selfie photo with their national ID, part of stricter identity checks against underage gambling.

Playing at an unlicensed offshore site means no Kenyan regulator to complain to if the casino refuses to pay. See our complaints guide for what happens when disputes go wrong.

Not legal advice. Kenya's gambling framework changed fundamentally in 2025-2026 and the GRA transition is still in progress. This guide reflects the law as we understand it in September 2026. It is not a substitute for professional legal advice.

Play responsibly: Gambling is for adults 18+. Set deposit limits, take breaks, and use self-exclusion tools if gambling stops being fun. Learn more.

FAQ

Is online gambling legal in Kenya?

Yes. Kenya regulates online gambling by law. The Gambling Control Act, 2025 created a licensing regime that includes online casino licences. Playing at a licensed operator is legal for adults 18 and over.

Who regulates gambling in Kenya?

Regulation is moving from the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) to the new Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya (GRA), created by the Gambling Control Act, 2025. The GRA is taking over licensing and enforcement, with the full transition expected in 2026.

What changed in the Gambling Control Act, 2025?

The Act, signed in August 2025, replaced the old Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act. It introduced an online casino licence category, requires at least 30% Kenyan ownership of licensed operators, a KSh 100 million security guarantee for online operators, licences valid for 36 months, and stronger consumer protection including self-exclusion and real-time monitoring.

Do Kenyan players pay tax on winnings?

Kenya applies a 20% withholding tax on betting and gaming winnings, collected by the operator at payout under the Finance Act 2026 (effective July 2026). An excise duty also applies to stakes. We are not tax advisors: if you win significant amounts, speak to a Kenyan tax professional.

Can I play at offshore casinos from Kenya?

Kenya actively shuts down unlicensed gambling sites: the BCLB announced the shutdown of 58 illegal platforms in 2025. Playing offshore means no Kenyan regulator to complain to if something goes wrong. A locally licensed operator is the safer choice.

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By Spinora Wins Editorial Team | Last updated: September 2026