Sports betting in Kenya is legal and regulated under the Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act (Cap 131). The activity has grown rapidly over the past decade, with both land-based and online operators offering a variety of sports markets. The Betting Control and Licensing Board oversees all licensing and compliance to promote responsible gaming (1).
Under Kenyan law, any individual or company seeking to operate a sportsbook must obtain a licence from the BCLB. The Act sets out strict requirements for application, including minimum capital contribution, local shareholding thresholds, and submission of security deposits. Licensed operators must also submit regular reports and undergo periodic audits to maintain their licence (1)(2).
"Any person who, in any public place, invites or entices another person to bet, or who, in a public place, accepts any invitation or enticement to bet, commits an offence and is liable to a fine not exceeding twenty thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or to both." (2)
In 2019, the Kenyan government introduced specific regulations for online sports betting, mandating age verification, robust data protection measures, and restrictions on advertising during designated hours to safeguard minors and vulnerable users (2).
While sports betting remains a popular form of entertainment, bettors should always choose BCLB-licensed sportsbooks to ensure consumer protection, transparent dispute resolution, and full compliance with Kenyan law (1).
Source:
https://bclb.go.ke/
https://www.kenyalaw.org/kl/fileadmin/pdfdownloads/Acts/BettingLotteriesandGamingAct_Cap%20131.pdf
Last updated: 22-05-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
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