Betting firms hit as State puts tough measures to regulate gambling

Following the directive by Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i that betting firms be vetted afresh by July 1, Betting Control and Licensing Board has cracked the whip on various casinos, lotteries and betting firms.

The board postponed the renewal of operational licences for 13 casinos, six lotteries and eight betting firms until the vetting exercise is completed.

The board has also declined the renewal of operational licences for 19 betting companies awaiting crucial security vetting of their operations and their hierarchy.

To streamline the sector, the government will now regulate the availability, accessibility, and affordability of all forms of gambling.

This will include bookmaking (betting), public gaming (casinos) and public lotteries making it harder for the public to access all forms of gambling.

The Government’s move aims to enforce responsible gambling and restrict access to underage gamblers.

Betting firms' operational requirements have also been tightened to curb mushrooming companies that rob Kenyans of their hard-earned money.

According to communication from the Interior Ministry, an indiscriminate sustained vetting exercise is also on the cards and will cut across all gaming categories.

"The authorities shall not hesitate to debar non-compliant operators in any category," read a statement from the ministry.

Licence review will also undergo major changes as all gambling firms’ licences will now be reviewed quarterly to determine their levels of compliance.

The Government will also roll out the use of cumulative review to determine whether or not the firms qualify for the renewal of their licences upon expiry.

The Ministry, however, assured business operators of providing enabling environment for them to operate effectively.