Kenya Regulations Expand Gambling Account Exclusion Powers

NAIROBI: Kenya’s gambling conduct regulations would expand how betting accounts can be blocked for people affected by gambling harm.

The rules build on the Gambling Control Act, 2025, adding self-exclusion, family-initiated exclusion and operator-led intervention measures for harmful gambling.

The Gambling Control Act, 2025 created the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya and introduced a national framework for betting, casinos, lotteries and other gambling activity. Proposed conduct regulations would set out detailed rules for exclusions, account controls, payout deadlines and operator duties.

Related: Kenya Introduces 30-Day Ban on All Gambling Promotions

Self-Exclusion Would Close Accounts

Under the framework, a person who recognizes that gambling is causing harm may voluntarily enter a self-exclusion agreement with a licensed operator. The provision is designed for people struggling to limit the money or time spent gambling, where betting is leading to harm for themselves, others or the wider community.

Once self-exclusion is registered, licensed operators would be required to close the gambler’s account and prevent that person from accessing gambling services. The exclusion would also have to be notified to the Gambling Regulatory Authority, which would maintain a register of self-excluded gamblers.

Operators would then be required to refuse gambling services to the excluded person. They would also have to remove the individual’s details from marketing databases within two days and stop sending promotional messages or gambling advertisements.

Any funds remaining in the account would still have to be returned to the self-excluded person. However, operators that accept bets from self-excluded individuals could be required to refund stakes, forfeit winnings to the Authority and face license suspension or revocation.

Families and Operators Could Intervene

The proposed regulations would also allow family members to ask the regulator to exclude a relative from gambling. A spouse, parent, guardian or other affected person would need to provide evidence that gambling behavior is causing serious financial hardship or harming family welfare.

The affected gambler would have an opportunity to challenge the application before the regulator makes a decision. That would move Kenya beyond a model where only the gambler can request exclusion.

Operators could also initiate exclusions where they reasonably believe a customer is showing signs of compulsive or harmful gambling. That includes cases where a person appears to be gambling beyond their financial means.

If an operator suspends an account, it would have to notify the Gambling Regulatory Authority within 24 hours. The regulator would then review the decision and determine whether the exclusion should remain in force.

The proposals reflect concern that Kenya’s betting market has expanded quickly through smartphones, mobile money and online platforms. A 2024 Central Bank of Kenya survey found that bettors spent an average of KSh1,825 per month on gambling.

Payout Rules and Operator Duties Tightened

The proposed regulations would also impose stricter payout rules on gambling operators. Licensees that fail to settle winnings within 14 days could face a penalty equal to 5% of the unpaid winnings, payable to the Gambling Regulatory Authority.

If payment remains outstanding, the operator would also owe the winner the unpaid amount plus interest of 5% per day for the following 21 days. Continued non-compliance could expose the operator to license suspension.

The rules would create different verification timelines for online winnings. Prizes of up to KSh500,000 would qualify for immediate automated payment after basic identity checks, while winnings between KSh500,001 and KSh5 million would require additional ownership and anti-money laundering checks and be processed within five working days.

Payments between KSh5 million and KSh50 million would have to be completed within 14 working days after enhanced verification. Jackpot prizes above KSh50 million could take up to 30 working days after verification and may involve structured payout arrangements and financial counselling.

Operators would also face wider pre-opening and platform requirements. These include integration with tax systems and central monitoring tools, proof of gaming capital, equipment inspection, fit-and-proper clearance for directors and data protection certification.

Online platforms would have to use approved domain names, geolocation tools, encrypted audit logs and segregated customer funds. Player data would generally have to be stored on servers in Kenya unless the regulator grants a written exemption.

Advertising Limits Added to Harm Prevention

The proposed framework would require operators to offer deposit, expenditure and session limits, reality-check notifications, rapid self-exclusion tools, links to the national exclusion register and player savings tools.

Advertising rules would also be tightened. Gambling ads would be barred from targeting minors or vulnerable people, portraying gambling as a solution to financial hardship or appearing in media where more than 25% of the expected audience is underage.

Gambling advertisements and licensed premises would also be prohibited within 200 metres of educational institutions. The proposals aim to reduce exposure among minors and people at higher risk of gambling harm.

Operators that fail to implement a self-exclusion request within seven days of written notification would commit an offence. The penalty could include a fine of up to KSh1 million, imprisonment for up to one year or both.

The rules would deepen Kenya’s responsible gambling framework by giving regulators, families and operators more power to act when betting behavior causes financial or social harm. The shift shows Kenya moving beyond taxes and licensing toward more direct intervention in harmful gambling cases.

RELATED TOPICS: Responsible Gambling