The Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) has unveiled a comprehensive responsible gambling agenda as part of Kenya’s most significant betting sector reform in decades.
Anchored in the newly enacted Gambling Control Act, 2025, the reforms place consumer protection, addiction prevention, and evidence-based oversight at the centre of the country’s regulatory philosophy signalling a decisive break from decades of fragmented governance.
The GRA, which succeeds the former Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), now holds expanded statutory powers to license all gambling products including online platforms and emerging digital games such as crash games while enforcing strict responsible gambling obligations on every licensed operator. These include mandatory self-exclusion tools, cooling-off periods, and clearer risk warnings for consumers.
“Player protection is not a slogan for us it is the core of our regulatory philosophy. We will lead this agenda from the front, guided by research and continuous advocacy.” said Peter Karimi, GRA Director General
In a move welcomed by public health advocates, the GRA is establishing a Player Protection and Research Unit tasked with studying gambling behaviour patterns, monitoring emerging product risks, and publishing annual harm-reduction reports. The unit will also drive public-awareness campaigns and early-intervention programmes targeting at-risk individuals and young Kenyans.
The research-led model reflects feedback gathered during GRA’s nationwide public participation process, through which citizens, civil society organisations, county governments, and industry stakeholders submitted input on the draft regulations. Among the strongest themes to emerge was the urgent need for stronger player safeguards.
Kenyans who participated in the public consultation called for: stricter age-verification and identity checks; affordability assessments to curb excessive losses; restrictions on gambling advertising particularly during watershed hours; mandatory self-exclusion and cooling-off mechanisms; clearer risk warnings on all platforms; tightened oversight of high-risk digital products; greater operator transparency on player data; and county-level enforcement against illegal gambling outlets.
GRA has confirmed that each of these submissions is being considered for inclusion in the final regulatory instruments providing a direct line between citizen voices and binding industry rules.
Karimi issued a stern warning to unregistered gambling operators, citing Section 98 of the Gambling Control Act, 2025, which makes it a criminal offence to operate any form of gambling without a valid licence. The Authority has already conducted compliance audits, engaged operators on their responsible gambling obligations, and partnered with county governments to shut down unlicensed outlets.
“The Gambling Control Act, 2025 represents a significant shift in Kenya’s regulatory landscape. It modernises the legal framework, strengthens oversight, and imposes higher standards of accountability on operators. The law seeks to balance the growth of a responsible gambling industry with consumer protection and the public interest.” said Karimi
For the millions of Kenyans who engage with betting and gaming platforms, the new regulatory era means stronger rights, clearer protections, and a regulator with both the mandate and the tools to enforce them. GRA’s transformation signals that gambling in Kenya is being repositioned from an under-regulated activity associated with social harm to a structured, consumer-centric entertainment sector.
“The transformation is underway. We welcome continued dialogue as we implement the most comprehensive gambling reforms in the country’s history.” added Karimi.
