The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has gone public with Kenyas limited ability to regulate the highly popular game of chance, Aviator. The government is unable to deregister the game since it is hosted outside the country, according to the BCLB. The director of the board, Peter Mbugi, explained that the intellectual property rights holders for Aviator are SPRIBE, a company registered in Warsaw, Poland, with offices in other parts of the world.
Mr. Mbugi explained to the National Assemblys Finance and National Planning Committee that ever since the commencement of the Aviator game by SPRIBE, numerous gaming developers have introduced similar or variant versions of the game. The aviator has swiftly risen to prominence as one of the most sought-after gamblers globally, he explained. In addition, he pointed out that different versions of the game are promoted in other jurisdictions, hence its popularity and attractiveness to gamblers.
The popularity and promotion of Aviator
Mr. Mbugi highlighted the widespread popularity of the game, noting that betting sites around the globe are constantly enhancing the game by adding new features and bonuses to appeal to players. However, there are many other variants of the game touted to the public in different jurisdictions. This is why the game is so popular and seemingly attractive and enticing to the punter/gambler, he said.
The regulators position highlights the challenge Kenya has in regulating an industry that is evermore being powered by foreign firms and online platforms. The BCLBs hope for the yet-to-be-passed , which is pending before Parliament, is to further tighten regulation, but effective enforcement is always a challenge.
Fears regarding its influence on young people and society
The current parliamentary probe of betting and gaming businesses in Kenya is fuelled in part by worries about the social effects of gambling, particularly on the youth. Gilgil MP Martha Wangari questioned the legality of Aviator, which she said is being massively advertised on local media outlets. She was concerned that the promotion of the game is stifling the livelihoods of families in both rural and urban setups.
While addressing the House floor, Ms. Wangari noted that the popularity of the game has resulted in excessive gambling among youths, both male and female. She cited alarming incidents where students bet on their school fees and parents gamble with their savings in the hope of making quick profits. The games extensive advertisement and popularity have raised red flags regarding its impact on societal values and economic stability.
Recommended reforms and higher betting expenses
Following these concerns, parliamentary reforms are being proposed to regulate the betting industry more closely. In these measures, small-time betting shops, locally referred to as Muaka, may be asked to register with a maximum of Sh50 million ($386,847), while big operators like 바카라s may be made to deposit a maximum of Sh5 billion ($386.8 million). These reforms are intended to stem the growth of betting firms and ensure only serious investors remain in the business.
also recommends that those registering as gamblers in Kenya be required to take a photo of themselves holding their national identity card in the picture. The move is among a broader attempt at tightening monitoring and preventing underage gambling.
Tighter licensing and capital requirements
Mr. Mbugi revealed that one of the key reforms is increasing capital requirements for betting companies. The lowest application fee for registration of a betting company is Sh10,000 currently, he said. The BCLB wants to introduce strict licensing terms, including high capital requirements and tough operating standards, to dissuade facile market entry by betting companies.
The reforms, as proposed, will require betting companies to prove a significant capital outlay before they are licensed, with the aim of reducing speculative entrants and enhancing consumer protection. For small betting operators, the minimum capital outlay may be set at Sh50 million, while 바카라s and public gaming operators could be required to pay Sh5 billion before they are legally allowed to operate.
Internet gambling and a clampdown on unauthorised sites
Online betting companies are also in the sights of the new regulations. The companies will be required to deposit Sh200 million ($1.5 million) to be licensed if the new Bill is signed into law by President William Ruto. The BCLB and the Communications Authority have already identified more than 106 unlicensed gambling websites, signalling a government clampdown on illegal online betting activities.
Mr. Mbugi noted that gambling, like alcohol and tobacco, has the potential to harm if abused. Gambling has the ability to harm the consumer if taken in excess, as it may lead to addiction with serious consequences to individuals, he noted. The regulator has also moved to regulate gambling adverts, which are thought to promote more gambling.
Advertising bans and public sensitisation
Going forward, gambling advertisements will have to be classified by the and will only be broadcast outside the watershed hours. The adverts should not portray gambling as a glamorous or wealthy activity and must include warning messages like Gambling is Addictive! Gamble/바카라 responsibly.
The BCLB has furthermore terminated its authorisation of outdoor advertising and has advised against practices such as daily jackpot offers, bonuses, discounts, free bets, and complimentary internet betting. These initiatives are intended to mitigate the social harms linked to gambling, particularly among at-risk populations.
Tax revenue and outdated laws
On the fiscal front, the government has collected about Sh96 billion ($742.7 million) from betting firms in the last seven financial years. Mr. Ngugi, speaking on behalf of the tax authority, disclosed that the 2023/24 financial year alone registered the highest tax collection at Sh22.3 billion ($172.5 million), with Sh14.5 billion ($112.2 million) having been collected as of January 2025.
Presently, Kenyas betting sector is taxed under a regime of multiple levies: a 15% excise tax on stakes, a 20% withholding tax on net winnings, and a 50% betting and gaming tax. Betting companies are taxed on gross gaming yield, which is turnover less winnings paid out, as well as corporation taxes on profits.
Despite these revenues, the BCLB admits that Kenyas legal framework for regulating betting is outdated. The current laws, enacted in 1966, are ill-equipped to handle the complexities of modern online gambling and the international nature of the industry.
Aviators predicament
Kenya remains largely powerless in properly controlling the thriving betting business, particularly with?highly popular games such as Aviator?being created and hosted outside the country. As the government persists in pursuing legislative changes, international domiciles, online sites, and in-your-face promotions make it hard to stem the social and economic consequences of gambling. With the controversy surrounding stricter legislation and enforcement raging on, the nations regulatory bodies acknowledge that they are working with a system that is becoming more and more insufficient to deal with the changing industry.
