Kenya Wants to Increase Gambling Age Limit – Latest News
Lawmakers in Kenya are pushing for a new legal age requirement that would prevent anyone under 21 from gambling. This proposed change comes under the Gambling Control Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 70 of 2023), which is currently under debate in Parliament. The bill also outlines tighter regulations for operators, tougher penalties, and a new minimum stake of KSh50 for all bets.
Parliament Targets Youth Gambling in New Proposal
Members of Parliament say the proposed increase in the gambling age limit is long overdue. Under current rules, anyone aged 18 and above can legally place a bet in Kenya. If this bill passes, that minimum will shift to 21. Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi, one of the main supporters of the bill, said the change is needed to protect young people from harmful betting habits.
“We discourage young people from engaging in it because getting Sh50 is already difficult,” Elachi said. “What we are doing to our youth is wrong.”
She added that raising the age would align gambling laws with those for alcohol, where the legal age is already 21.
Gambling as a Daily Routine
Lawmakers say gambling is no longer seen as casual entertainment. For many youths, it’s now a routine. Kinangop MP Kwenya Thuku said young people were abandoning school and work, lured by the hope of fast money.
“We are dealing with a growing menace,” Thuku said. “It has gone unchecked for too long.”
New Rules for Media, Bet Sizes, and Registration
The bill includes more than just age restrictions. It introduces several reforms meant to control both how gambling is promoted and how it is accessed.
Minimum Bet Requirement Introduced
If passed, bettors would need to stake at least KSh50 on every wager. This is meant to discourage casual or impulsive betting, especially among students or unemployed youth.
| Proposed Rule | Details |
| Gambling age limit | Raised from 18 to 21 |
| Minimum stake | KSh50 per bet |
| Advertising ban | Gambling ads prohibited before watershed hours |
| User verification | Punters must submit a selfie with their national ID |
| Operator capital | KSh50M for gambling shops; KSh5B for casinos |
BCLB Announces New Licensing Conditions
The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has also made separate changes. Ahead of the 2025-26 licensing period, the regulator released an official list of 99 approved firms, including well-known names like Betika, Odibets, Betpawa, and Kwikbet.
According to BCLB Director Peter Mbugi, new applicants must meet these conditions:
- Small gambling shops: Minimum capital of KSh50 million
- Public gaming operators (e.g., casinos): KSh5 billion minimum
- All bettors: Must verify identity with a selfie and national ID
Mbugi said these changes are meant to stop casual and unregulated entries into the gambling market.
Public Reaction: Mixed Views From Kenyans
Many Kenyans, especially young adults, believe raising the gambling age limit is unnecessary. Some argue that 18-year-olds can vote, marry, or even join the military. Betting, they say, should be no different.
Another said the government should “focus on fixing the economy” rather than controlling personal freedoms. Still, others welcomed the changes and said stricter laws could help reduce gambling addiction among teenagers.
What Is the Next Move?
The Gambling Control Bill is still under debate, but many MPs have expressed strong support. If passed and signed by the president, the new law will take full effect, and gambling firms will need to comply or risk losing their licenses.
What This Means for Bettors
If you’re a bettor over 21, your experience won’t change much, but you’ll likely see more identity checks and higher minimum stakes. For younger punters, gambling will become off-limits. For those seeking legal and verified options look at Betzillion review of best betting sites in Kenya that are already follow strict ID verification processes and age controls.
How to Bet on Kenyan Betting Sites After the Changes
If the bill becomes law, here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Be 21 years or older
- Register with a national ID
- Upload a selfie for account verification
- Stake KSh50 or more
- Use only licensed platforms with updated compliance
These rules are designed to make betting in Kenya safer, more responsible, and better regulated, not to ban it outright.
