🐊 Kenya🇰🇪: New gambling regulatory framework came into force on July 1

🐊 Kenya🇰🇪: New gambling regulatory framework came into force on July 1
In 2025, Kenya adopted the Gambling Control Act and established the new Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA), replacing the former Betting Control and Licensing Board. As part of the reform, five subsidiary regulations came into force on July 1, 2026, establishing new requirements for the operation of the gambling sector.
▶️ Changes to the licensing process:
👉 Licensed operators must maintain a corporate structure in which at least 30% of the shareholding is owned by Kenyan citizens.
👉 The technical review of licence applications must be completed within 14 days of submission, while the regulator is required to issue a final decision within 30 days. If an application is denied, applicants will have 14 days to file an appeal.
▶️ Operations: companies are required to provide the GRA with real-time data access through APIs and integrate their systems with the Authority's Central Monitoring System and the National Gambling Register.
▶️ Advertising regulation:
👉 All gambling advertisements must receive prior written approval from the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) and be classified by the Kenya Film Classification Board.
👉 At least 20% of advertising space must be allocated to responsible gambling messaging.
👉 Advertisements may not feature celebrities and cannot be broadcast on television or radio between 06:00 and 22:00, except during live sports broadcasts.
▶️ Context: one of the main sources of regulatory uncertainty in Kenya has been the instability of the gambling tax regime. However, the current framework has provided greater predictability. In July 2025, the government replaced the 20% tax on net winnings with a 5% tax on each withdrawal made from a betting account. In addition, the 15% excise tax on deposits was reduced to 5%. Since the implementation of the new tax system, tax revenue has increased by 29%.

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