Gov’t clears the air on reports Kenyans spent billions gambling in 2024

The government has addressed recent media reports painting a worrying picture of the state of gambling in the country, which placed the amount Kenyans spent on betting in Kenya last year at a staggering Ksh.766 billion.

The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), which controls and licenses betting, gaming and public lotteries, in a statement on Sunday, refuted the figure as sensational and inaccurate.

BCLB Chairperson Jane Mwikali Makau said taxes related to the gambling sector, which comprise gaming and betting, excise duty on stakes and withholding tax on winnings, totalled Ksh.22.3 billion in the 2023/24 financial year.

Makau said the Ksh.766 billion spending reported, which is about 31 percent of the national revenue, “inaccurately inflates the size of the regulated market, likely by including offshore (unlicensed) platforms.”

“This misleads policymakers and the public on the economic reality of licensed operators,” she said.

She defended the betting industry, saying it directly employs over 10,000 Kenyans, supports over 500,000 livelihoods indirectly, and contributes to community projects under corporate social responsibility (CSR).

According to the betting regulator, the sector is projected to generate Ksh.20 billion in 2025 through excise duty, withholding tax, and betting and gaming tax.

“It reflects robust but regulated growth. These figures underscore both the popularity of licensed gambling and the critical imperative for continued strong oversight. The oversight is set to be strengthened by passing into law of the Gambling Control Bill, 2023, which is in the legislative process,” Makau added.