New Crackdown Targets Youth Addiction, Underage Betting & Gambling Near Schools

The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has taken a bold step in addressing the growing gambling problem affecting Kenyan youth. A new multi-agency task force will review and revise the operational guidelines for betting and gaming companies to promote responsible gambling and protect vulnerable groups.

Speaking on Friday during a community outreach event in South B, Nairobi, BCLB Chairperson Dr. Jane Makau expressed concern over the unchecked rise of betting among the youth.

“We all know betting is addictive. We must unite and sanitise this country by reviewing the guidelines,” she said.

Agencies Join Forces To Review Gambling Laws

This powerful task force includes:

  • Ministry of Interior and National Administration

  • Office of the Attorney-General

  • Communications Authority of Kenya (CA)

  • Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)

  • Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)

  • Kenya Film Classification Board

  • Media Council of Kenya (MCK)

  • Financial Reporting Centre

Their job? To ensure betting is well-regulated, transparent and socially responsible.

What Will the New Betting Rules Cover?

The new guidelines will introduce major restrictions especially on:

  • Betting hours to prevent excessive gambling

  • Banning gambling near schools and areas with high youth presence

  • Preventing underage betting

  • Setting eligibility thresholds to ensure only those who can afford to gamble do so

In essence, the government wants to make gambling less accessible to minors and economically vulnerable individuals.

Betting Operators Support Stricter Rules

Surprisingly, the proposed crackdown has got support from within the industry itself. Sasa Krneta, AGOK Chairperson, said licensed betting firms support efforts to promote safe and responsible betting.

“We promote responsible gambling. As operators we want Kenyans to only bet what they can afford to lose,” said Mr. Krneta.

He also said genuine operators are ready to fully comply with the new rules to protect community welfare.

Nationwide Betting Ads Suspended

In a surprise move, BCLB has suspended all betting ads across all media for one month. The suspension will remain in place until the new betting rules are out.

Dr. Makau said this is to stop aggressive marketing that encourages impulsive betting especially among the youth.

Why Responsible Gambling Is More Important Now

Dr. Makau said we need to educate communities on the dangers of excessive gambling. Many Kenyans, she said, are now borrowing money to bet, getting into debt and depression.

“People are staking money meant for food and school fees. This is no longer just a game—it’s a national crisis,” she said.

She also said betting should be treated as a recreational activity, not a source of income or survival.

Betting Firms Accused of Tax Evasion & Rigged Outcomes

Meanwhile, MPs are raising red flags about shady practices in the betting sector. During a parliamentary committee hearing, lawmakers accused some companies of manipulating bet outcomes to avoid paying out winnings—and consequently dodging taxes.

Molo MP Kimani Kuria questioned the inconsistencies in tax trends:

“Excise duty on betting has gone up, but withholding tax on winnings is shrinking. How is this possible?”

Parliament’s concerns follow a Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) report revealing that in the 2024/25 financial year, the government collected Sh19.6 billion in excise and income taxes from betting activities. That’s up by Sh2.53 billion from the previous year. However, the drop in taxes from winnings has raised eyebrows.

What’s Next for Kenya’s Betting Sector?

With the task force already at work and regulations being tightened, it’s clear that the government is now taking Kenya’s gambling addiction crisis seriously. Striking a balance between personal freedom and public protection will be key—but so far, the efforts are being welcomed by both policy makers and ethical operators.