New gambling law now in force
President William Ruto assenting to the Gambling Control Bill to turn it into law. Photo/Parliament Press Unit
Kenya loves betting — from football matches to quick-win lotteries. But now, there’s a new law that changes the game.
President William Ruto has assented to the Gambling Control Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 70 of 2023), ushering in a modern legal framework to regulate gambling in Kenya.
The Bill, sponsored by Majority Leader and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, was passed by the National Assembly with amendments on 6 December 2023 and by the Senate on 8 October 2024. The National Assembly later rejected the Senate’s changes on 16 January 2025, prompting the appointment of a Mediation Committee.
The mediated version was approved by the Senate on 23 July 2025 and by the National Assembly on 31 July 2025, paving the way for presidential assent.
Main changes in the law
New regulator: The Gambling Regulatory Authority will license and monitor all gambling activities.
Working with KRA: They will ensure gambling companies pay taxes.
Money for sports and arts: 15 percent of gross gambling revenue will go to the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund.
Protecting people:
No gambling for anyone under 18
Public awareness campaigns on gambling risks
Self-exclusion options for addicts
Strict licensing for operators
Limited adverts
The law replaces the old Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act, but keeps current tax rules until new gambling tax laws are made.
In short, you can still bet, but the rules are stricter, the government is watching, and part of your losses will now help fund sports and culture.
