When it comes to entertainment options, the alternatives truly abound. While some people prefer reading books or watching TV shows, there are also those individuals that like to spend their time gaming. In addition to video games, casino games have also been gaining a lot of popularity recently. There is a variety of reasons for that, but the fact that this form of entertainment is fun and exciting is surely at the top of the list.
The laws all over the globe are being changed in order to make gambling and betting more accessible to more and more people. Moreover, the ability to play online is a big plus that makes this activity available to a much wider audience. However, while some countries are only now realizing the benefits of legalizing gambling, this practice has a long history in Kenya.
If you’re interested in learning more, read on for an overview of gambling in the country.
A quick overview of gambling in Kenya
For starters, let’s have a quick overview of the state of gambling in Kenya right now. Over the last 50 years, gambling has been lawful in Kenya and residents have been able to enjoy casino games and sports betting. Moreover, bingo and the lottery are also available to Kenyans. It must be said, however, that all operators require a license in order to offer these sorts of games to players.
The long history of gambling in Kenya
In many African countries, the practice of gambling is illegal. This is mostly because many nations are Muslim and the law prohibits gambling. However, seeing as how Kenya is predominantly a Christian country, such laws are not in place.
Quite the opposite, actually, gambling laws in Kenya were established in 1966 and the practice has been legal ever since. The Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act established a Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) that oversees the licensing and regulation of gambling in the country. In terms of licenses, they last until the 30th of June of the following year. Furthermore, the Act of 1966 states that operators without a license could face a substantial fine, go to jail, or both. Since the regulations were implemented, more than 50 gambling establishments were opened in Kenya, including casinos, horse racetracks, and bingo halls.
Moreover, online gambling is also legal in Kenya. While it is a state monopoly, the only casino that was state-owned closed a few years ago. Although the practice of betting on foreign sites is not clearly defined, Kenyans are allowed to play on websites that are not based in the country. Fortunately, there are countless online casinos that accept local players and provide them with a chance to spend their free time playing fun games.
The current situation when it comes to gambling in Kenya
With the laws and options in mind, it’s important to note that Kenya is one of the biggest gambling markets in Africa. Its worth was estimated to be more than $40 million in 2020 and it continued its growth in 2021. It is actually right after South Africa and Nigeria when it comes to the Sub-Saharan region in terms of the gambling industry.
What is more, while the third-largest market, Kenya actually has the highest number of casino game players, especially young ones. This only goes to show how exciting this activity is, as it has managed to attract so many individuals despite the huge array of entertainment options.
Besides sports betting, which rules supreme, online casino games such as poker and blackjack are also very popular. While the first sportsbook entered the Kenyan market in 2013, many other operators have started offering these services since.
In regards to casino games, this sector is also massive in Kenya. It’s estimated that the country has about 1300 slot machines. However, all the major casino venues are located in big cities like Nairobi and Mombasa, which is sometimes simply not accessible to all interested players. This is where online casinos come in really handy, as people can play regardless of where they are located, whether they are at home, at work, or on the go. They offer a wide variety of games, even bigger than can usually be found in a brick-and-mortar casino that is typically limited by its size and how many tables and slot machines it can house.
In addition to the appeal of the huge range of games, online casinos are also gaining popularity because the internet speed in the country is very fast. Kenya is the 14thnation in the world when it comes to internet speed, with an average of 13.7 megabits per second. Plus, the penetration rate being above 40% and mobile money services being convenient also add to the availability of this practice.
With gambling being legal in the country, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that there are many individuals interested in placing a few bets. Only time will tell how the gambling industry in Kenya will develop further.
