Operating without a licence is now a criminal offence under the new law, exposing violators to stiff penalties /FILE

Kenya has moved to tighten oversight of its fast-growing betting industry, with the Gambling Regulatory Authority establishing a specialised unit to track gambling addiction and enforce stricter consumer protections under a new legal regime.

Cup pressure peaks as Shabana host Kenya Police in blockbuster quarter-final Football

Upper Hill coach Walgwe unperturbed despite drawing giants in Prescott Cup group phase Rugby

The regulator said the newly formed Player Protection and Research Unit will monitor betting behaviour, identify addiction patterns and publish annual reports on gambling-related harm.

This will mark a shift towards data-driven regulation in a sector long criticised for weak oversight.

The move is part of broader reforms anchored in the Gambling Control Act 2025, which grants the authority expanded powers to license and supervise all gambling products, including online betting platforms and high-risk digital games.

"Player protection is not a slogan for us it is the core of our regulatory philosophy. We will lead this agenda from the front, guided by research and continuous advocacy," said GRA director general Peter Karimi.

Under the new framework, operators will be required to implement safeguards such as mandatory self-exclusion tools, cooling-off periods and clearer warnings on the risks associated with betting.

The regulator is also considering tighter controls on advertising, affordability checks and stricter age-verification requirements following public consultations.

The crackdown comes amid growing concern over the social and economic impact of betting in Kenya, where millions of young people engage with gambling platforms, often via mobile phones. Industry growth has outpaced regulation in recent years, raising concerns about addiction, financial distress and exposure to unregulated operators.

GRA Director General Peter Karimi said the authority is shifting its focus from basic licensing to active market surveillance and consumer protection.

"The Gambling Control Act, 2025 represents a significant shift in Kenya's regulatory landscape. It modernises the legal framework, strengthens oversight, and imposes higher standards of accountability on operators. The law seeks to balance the growth of a responsible gambling industry with consumer protection and the public interest," said Karimi

The authority has already begun compliance audits and is working with county governments to shut down unlicensed betting outlets.

Operating without a licence is now a criminal offence under the new law, exposing violators to stiff penalties.

The Authority (formerly Betting Control and Licence The reforms signal a decisive break from the fragmented regime previously overseen by the Betting Control and Licensing Board, which had limited capacity to regulate an increasingly digital and complex industry.

Analysts say the introduction of a research-driven unit could significantly alter how the sector is policed, particularly if it leads to tighter restrictions on aggressive marketing and high-frequency betting products that have gained popularity among younger users.

Public submissions collected during the drafting of the regulations highlighted widespread concern over weak safeguards, with calls for tighter controls on advertising, especially during peak viewing hours, and stronger oversight of emerging digital formats.

There are also expectations that regulators will push for greater transparency from operators, particularly around customer data and betting patterns, as part of efforts to detect harmful behaviour early.

While the industry remains a significant source of tax revenue and employment, the new rules are likely to raise compliance costs for operators and could trigger consolidation as smaller firms struggle to meet stricter licensing and reporting requirements.