Why betting with less than Sh50 might land you in jail

Staking less than Sh50 on online gambling might land you in jail.

This is according to the proposed Gaming Bill which states that staking less than Sh50 will attract a fine of Sh5million or a prison term not exceeding six years.

“A player in an online gaming activity shall not bet an amount of less than Sh50 in a competition.

“Those who engage in an online gaming activity for an amount than that prescribed under subsection (1) commit an offence and shall be liable upon conviction to a fine of not less than Sh5m or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six years,” stated the bill.

Recently, Interior CS Fred Matiang’i vowed to streamline betting in the country by regulating affordability and accessibility of all forms of gambling.

A number of betting sites in Kenya have the provision of staking bets using less than Sh5 and this has attracted many people who use the opportunity to place multiple bets in the hope of landing mega jackpots.

According to the proposed law, gaming transactions will be closely monitored by the Communications Authority of Kenya.

While reading the 2019 budget, Treasury CS Henry Rotich announced the introduction of excise duty on betting activities.

For every stake, a 10 percent excise duty will be charged. For instance, if one uses Sh200 to place a bet, Sh20 will be deducted.

CS Rotich lamented the betting menace in the country and said that the move will go a long way in curbing its negative effects.

“Betting has become quite spread and its expansion has had negative social effect particularly to the youth and vulnerable members of our society, and in order to curtail the negative effect arising from betting activities, I propose to introduce excise duty on betting activities at 10 percent at the amount staked,” he remarked.