Am interested in setting up in the kenya market
hello! We will be happy to assist with it! Messaged you.
Kenya is home to roughly 55 million people and one of Africa’s strongest economies. It’s also one of the continent’s biggest gambling markets, with vast numbers of devoted sports fans placing massive amounts of bets via bookies in Kenya.
This article provides an overview of online gambling in the Kenyan market, so if you’re looking for practical advice on how to enter the rapidly expanding casino and online betting market in Kenya, you’ve come to the right place.
The gambling market in Kenya is enormous, projected to reach a value of nearly $831 million in 2025.
Ranked third in Sub-Saharan Africa in terms of market size, behind South Africa and Nigeria, Kenya also leads the region when it comes to number of young bettors — younger Kenyans spend much more on gambling than their peers in other African nations.
Another thing that sets Kenya apart is access to technology.
Kenya has a very high internet penetration rate for an African country – 40.8% — and it is estimated to reach 64.94% in 2025. The majority of internet users in the country do so from mobile devices; there are an estimated 122 mobile subscriptions for every 100 inhabitants, according to the World Bank.
This rapid digitalization has triggered explosive growth in the online gambling sector. This isn't just a matter of convenience, but also a necessity for many residents of rural areas in Kenya without access to land-based betting shops and casinos.
Already in 2019, 88% of bettors used their mobile phones to place wagers, and this number is only expected to increase.
Of course, these factors contributed to the flourishing of online gambling. The variety of gambling options in the country has increased: traditional gaming has now been joined by online sports betting, virtual games, and live dealer games.
According to projections from Statista, there should be 517,000 sports bettors, 990,700 lottery and bingo players, and 2 million casino players by 2029.
One of the major trends in the online gambling market in Kenya is the increasing popularity of mobile gambling. The rollout of cellular technology effectively leapfrogged broadband, meaning most Kenyan bettors are already living in a mobile-first world. Online gambling operators have capitalized on this trend by developing mobile-friendly platforms and betting apps in Kenya. This means players engage in gambling activities on the go, at their convenience, contributing to the market's growth.
Another notable trend is the increasing variety of online gambling options available to Kenyan punters. In addition to traditional casino games such as slots and table games, online gambling platforms now offer sports betting, virtual sports and even live dealer games.
The Kenyan gambling market is dominated by sports betting.
Kenyan punters have shown a growing interest in online sports betting due to several factors. Primarily, the convenience and accessibility of online platforms have facilitated easier access to betting for players from the comfort of their own homes or on the move. A 2021 survey from GeoPoll reveals that 37% of respondents bet on sports weekly, 28.5% do so monthly, 18% daily, and 15.8% multiple times a day.
This has particularly resonated with a younger demographic, who are more tech-savvy and prefer the convenience of online betting. Furthermore, the broad array of sports and betting options has drawn in customers who relish the diversity and exhilaration of wagering on a variety of events.
Without a doubt, football is Kenyan punter’s bet of choice. There are the most popular championships on betting volume in the country:
Other sports also see significant betting activity:
The first, and one of the best, betting sites in Kenya was SportPesa, which received an operating license in 2013. It remains the most popular betting platform, with 82% of Kenyan gamblers holding an account there. Plenty of other brands have noted SportPesa’s success and followed suit; the number of licensed betting firms in Kenya has grown to nearly 128.
Kenya is becoming more and more popular and more new and active betting sites are opening in the country. These are some of the best active betting companies in Kenya:
…and many more.
The thriving casino market almost matches the popularity of betting. Land-based casinos, primarily located in major cities, consistently draw crowds. Some of the country’s most famous casinos include:
In recent years, large casino businesses have transitioned online, opening up a vast array of opportunities.
Other forms of online gambling games in Kenya which are popular include:
Live dealer casinos in Kenya also provide the real thrill of real-time gaming and remain popular with Kenyan gamblers.
Is gambling legal in Kenya? Gambling, in general, is completely legal in Kenya. However, the gambling laws and betting regulations in Kenya are far from simple.
The main regulatory document regarding gambling laws in Kenya is the 1966 Betting, Lotteries, and Gaming Act which has since been amended, especially to adapt it to the needs of a growing market and technological advance.
The most significant recent change is the introduction of the Kenya Gambling Control Bill 2023, which aims to overhaul the gambling industry. Kenya's National Assembly has given the green light to the bill, having rebuffed several amendments put forth by the Senate. The bill aims to regulate the betting and gambling industry, enforce tax laws, and protect citizens from exploitative practices.
All certified operators will be obligated to allocate a minimum of 30% of their holdings to Kenyan citizens. Foreign companies must pay 5.5 million KES ($42,504) for public gaming and 6.5 million KES ($50,232) for public lottery licences. The additional 200 million KES ($1,55 million) security deposit raises entry barriers, making it harder for new players to enter the market.
All entities must also facilitate transactions via a bank registered in Kenya. Furthermore, entities are required to deposit either a bank guarantee or an insurance security bond to cover any unlicensed gambling activity.
The bill will go into effect once it is signed by the president.
The recently introduced Gambling Control Bill seeks to significantly expand the board's original mandate.
This follows previous statements in 2022 that most operators in Kenya were not complying with licensing requirements. A wide range of new measures will increase taxes and fines for offenses, as well as prohibit the registration of children for any gambling activity. The bill will also ban bets below KES 20, and a fine of 5 million will be imposed on any operator offering a bet below KES 20. Radio and TV channels will also be prohibited from broadcasting gambling advertisements between 6:00 and 22:00.
Also, any individual or entity that promotes an unlicensed lottery will receive a 1 million KES fine or one year in jail.
The Kenya Gambling Control Bill 2023 imposes a 15% gaming tax on all gaming revenue, payable to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) by the 20th of every month. The Senate proposed an additional 15% tax on betting, lottery, and prize competitions, but the proposal was rejected by the National Assembly. Also, a minimum of 30% of the proceeds from each lottery must be allocated to the designated charitable cause.
The cost of a gambling license in Kenya is based on the gambling activity and whether the applicant is local or foreign. Final costs may vary depending on the specific operations you need to conduct.
Kenya is a market with a lot of potential, but it requires caution and a well-thought-out business plan to be commercially successful.
There are some steps that Slotegrator recommends you follow to enter the Kenyan market successfully:
Leave it to the professionals.
With Slotegrator's white label casino solution, you can launch an online casino platform and receive player support.
The Kenyan iGaming industry is a vibrant and promising market for companies and entrepreneurs interested in the African gaming landscape.
Growing internet penetration and extensive mobile device usage provide an ideal environment for online gambling platforms. With a young audience keen on online betting and gambling, there's potential for significant growth and development in this market.
Entering a new market is no easy task. If you require professional assistance or wish to fine-tune your existing business plan to be a perfect fit for Kenya, contact us for a free consultation. Our team of legal professionals and iGaming experts is ready to assist you.
Indeed, gambling is both legal and regulated in Kenya. The primary legislation governing this sector is the Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act of 1966, and in 2023, a new Gambling Control Bill was proposed. According to the current legislation, a license is required to conduct gambling activities, and the minimum age for gambling is 18 years.
Kenya has implemented a tax on betting winnings, and the evasion of this tax is considered illegal. The most effective method of minimizing the tax burden is to gamble with licensed operators who already include the tax in their calculations. Any attempt to evade this tax could result in significant fines or even criminal penalties.
The process of opening a betting business in Kenya involves obtaining a license from the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), complying with local taxes and legal requirements, and choosing reliable payment solutions and marketing strategies. The process can be complex, so it's advisable to seek professional support from experts such as Slotegrator, who can help launch the business quickly and efficiently.
There are many bookmakers offering online betting services in Kenya. According to different sources, the number of licensed operators may be as high as 128, but the market is constantly changing and new companies may appear and old ones may leave.
The bookmaking industry in Kenya has been growing since the legalization of gambling in the country. However, the online betting sector has undergone a period of significant growth in recent decades, largely due to advancements in internet and mobile technology. Presently, Kenya stands as a prominent player in the African sports betting market.
Am interested in setting up in the kenya market
hello! We will be happy to assist with it! Messaged you.
id like to know the legal nitty gritties on how to register and any other relevant info
hello! Of course, we are happy to share, will be in touch!
I am very interested in the Kenyan online casino market, but I don't quite understand all the legal nuances. Do you provide legal support?
Hello! Yes, of course we provide legal support in Kenya. We have sent all information to you.
Thank you!
I have a lot of money and want to open a casino in Kenya
Good afternoon! We will be in touch with you)
Hey, I have an idea concerning online betting in KENYA. Looking for potential investors to pitch my business plan. Any ideas on such opportunities
hello! We will be in touch!