Crash games dilemma: uncovering the state of iGaming in Kenya
In the last few months, crash games have taken centre stage in Kenyas online gaming industry, drawing a sizeable and varied player base. Their fast expansion has garnered extensive media attention and stirred public discussion regarding the social implications of high-stakes betting. Numerous accounts have attributed losses emanating from such speed-dependent games to consequences, adding grist to the mill of responsible gaming practices and the implementation of viable regulatory frameworks.
Regulatory response and ad ban
In an attempt to stop problem gambling and protect susceptible players, the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has placed a one-month prohibition on the advertisement of gambling in mainstream media. The action shows the boards responsibility to regulate the gaming industry and highlights the requirement for equanimity in regulation. During a webinar organised by iGaming AFRIKA on 16 May 2025, panellists examined the legal status of crash games and determined the efficiency of the enforcement of existing regulations in Kenya.
Industry views on compliance and enforcement
During the webinar, several experts highlighted the tug-of-war between business interests and regulation.
Vivi Lucy, Velex Advisory’s Head of Legal, warned, Operators are being governed by regulations that have very lax consequences, hence these rebellious acts against the boards mandate.
Job Weku, FAZI’s Business Development Manager, mentioned political interference in licensing, Most politicians possess operators licenses, and this means that they have an advantage when it comes to dodging accountability for violating the law.
Political and legal challenges
Underlying the enforcement deficit is a network of political patronage and legislative foot-dragging. A few rotten tomatoes, as one panellist put it, can spoil the reputation of the whole industry and undermine the effectiveness of laws. The BCLB, not yet an independent body, lacks the broad mandate and powers necessary to pursue compliance with vigour.
In addition, there is no systematic follow-up of nominee agreements binding citizens and politicians to ownership interests in gaming operators, thus further compromising transparency.
iGaming consultant Brian Ondieki brought a further dimension to the discussion: There are numerous loopholes in the nations governing law. There have also been inexplicable delays on the new Gambling Bills part.
Corporate social responsibility initiatives
Despite these challenges, not every operator ignores the communitys well-being. According to Brian Ondieki, Kenyan operators invested Ksh700 million an equivalent to $5.4 million in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities last year. This indicates that not all operators are keen on compliance.
The CSR investments have supported educational seminars, counselling hotlines, and community outreach, thereby offering proof that a portion of the industry is ready to self-regulate and improve responsible gaming initiatives.
Financing problems at the BCLB
While operators put money into CSR, the regulator itself faces a chronic funding shortage. , a fraction of the revenue windfall of the industry. It has constrained outreach potential and, therefore, has had an effect on public sensitisation campaigns and field inspections, creating space for loopholes in enforcement and monitoring. Underfunded, the boards ability to speak with a united voice in opposition to wayward operators remains restricted.
Towards a united front
Sustainable development is dependent on collective responsibility, the experts concurred. Whilst the government has a central role in the industry, it is also regulators, operators, and punters responsibility to be compliant and responsible, Job emphasised. As charity starts at home, so should responsibility start with gaming firms. Operators must promote responsible play, support compliance internally, and drive best practices in the industry.
Kenyas boom in crash games has underscored the challenge of regulating a fast-evolving iGaming sector. Advertising regulations, CSR expenditure, and expert discussion are steps in the right direction, but legislative loopholes, political meddling, and budget limits continue to undermine enforcement. A joined-up approachbringing together government, regulators, operators, and consumers will be key to a successful future. It is only through collaboration that Kenya can balance the economic benefits of iGaming with protecting its most vulnerable players.
