InfoHubKenya

Legal

Gambling in Kenya: The Law, Betting Taxes and Where to Get Help

By 4 min read

Fact-checked on

In this article
  1. The Law: The Gambling Control Act, 2025
  2. Taxes on Betting in Kenya
  3. Is Online Betting Legal in Kenya?
  4. Signs That Betting Has Become a Problem
  5. Where to Get Help
  6. Sources and useful links

Betting is everywhere in Kenya: on your phone, on the matatu radio and on the jersey of your favourite club. But the rules behind it changed a lot in 2025 and 2026. There is a new law, a new regulator and new taxes on what you deposit and what you withdraw.

This guide explains, in plain language, how gambling is regulated in Kenya today, what taxes apply to punters, and where to get help if betting stops being fun.

The Law: The Gambling Control Act, 2025

Gambling in Kenya is now governed by the Gambling Control Act, 2025 (Act No. 14 of 2025). President William Ruto signed it on 7 August 2025 and it came into force on 20 August 2025. It replaced the old Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act, which had been in place since 1966.

The Act covers betting (including sports betting), casinos, lotteries, prize competitions and online gambling. Its main points include:

  • A new regulator. The Act set up the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA), which took over from the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB).
  • Licensing. It is an offence to run any form of gambling without a valid licence. Operators had to re-apply for licences under the new law, and the first licensing cycle under the Act ran in 2026.
  • Adults only. Gambling is for people aged 18 and above. Licensed operators must verify the age of players.
  • Advertising controls. Gambling adverts and promotions need prior approval from the GRA, and the law restricts celebrity endorsements.
  • Player protection. Operators must have responsible-gambling measures, such as letting players set limits or exclude themselves from betting.

Before you deposit money with any betting site, confirm that it is licensed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority. An unlicensed site gives you no protection if it refuses to pay you. Our list of sports betting sites in Kenya is a starting point, but always check the GRA’s latest official notices.

Taxes on Betting in Kenya

Betting taxes have changed almost every year. The rules below are those in force from 1 July 2026, after the Finance Act, 2026.

Tax Rate What it applies to
Excise duty on betting and gambling 5% Money deposited for betting or gambling, whether or not it sits in a betting wallet. Horse racing is no longer exempt.
Withholding tax on withdrawals 5% Money paid out or disbursed to a player’s account by a betting or gaming operator.
Withholding tax on winnings 20% Winnings from lotteries and prize competitions run by operators licensed under the Gambling Control Act, 2025.

In practice, the operator collects these taxes for KRA, so you will see them deducted from your deposit or payout. You do not pay them separately.

How we got here: The Finance Act, 2025 replaced the old 20% tax on winnings with a 5% tax on withdrawals and cut the excise duty from 15% to 5%. The Finance Act, 2026 brought back the 20% tax on winnings for lotteries and prize competitions, kept the 5% excise duty and the 5% withdrawal tax, and widened what counts as a deposit and a withdrawal.

Betting taxes change often, usually every July when a new Finance Act takes effect. Check the latest Finance Act or KRA notices before relying on these rates.

Yes, as long as the operator holds a valid licence from the Gambling Regulatory Authority and you are 18 or older. Betting with an unlicensed site, including foreign sites that are not licensed in Kenya, is risky. Your money is not protected and the regulator cannot help you if the site refuses to pay.

Signs That Betting Has Become a Problem

For many people a weekend bet is harmless fun. For others it slowly takes over. Watch out for these signs:

  • You bet money meant for rent, school fees, food or loan repayments.
  • You borrow from mobile lenders, friends or Fuliza to bet or to “recover” losses.
  • You keep increasing your stakes to get the same excitement.
  • You lie to family about how much you bet.
  • You feel restless, anxious or irritable when you try to stop.

Where to Get Help

  1. Use the tools on your betting account. Licensed operators must offer responsible-gambling tools. Look in your account settings for deposit limits or self-exclusion, which blocks you from betting for a period you choose.
  2. Talk to a health worker. Gambling disorder is a recognised health condition. A doctor, clinical officer or counsellor at your nearest public health facility can assess you and refer you to counselling.
  3. Talk to someone you trust. Tell a family member or friend, and let them help you manage your money for a while.
  4. Block the temptation. Uninstall betting apps, unsubscribe from betting SMS promotions and avoid saving betting paybill numbers on your phone.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of self-harm because of gambling debts, get help immediately. See our list of Kenya emergency contacts.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *