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    Kenya
    18+Gamble responsibly

    Kenya · Betting laws

    Is Sports Betting Legal in Kenya?

    Online bookmakers need a licence from the Gambling Regulatory Authority under the Gambling Control Act 2025. Licences from the old BCLB system stay valid only for a transition period, after which operators must apply again.

    Legal age
    18+
    Licensed sportsbooks
    7
    Tax on winnings
    20%

    By Legal Betting Reviews editorial team · Updated

    At a glance

    Minimum age
    18+
    Tax on winnings
    The Finance Act 2026 reintroduced a 20% withholding tax on winnings.
    Operator tax
    Excise duty is 5% of amounts deposited for betting.
    Self-exclusion
    No national scheme yet; use each sportsbook's own self-exclusion tool.
    Help
    Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya · gra.go.ke

    The main laws

    • 2025

      Gambling Control Act 2025

      Replaced the Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act and the BCLB with the Gambling Regulatory Authority.

    • 2026

      Gambling Control Regulations 2026

      Rules on licensing, operations, foreign operators, advertising and appeals, in force from 30 June 2026.

    • 2026

      Finance Act 2026

      Reintroduced withholding tax on winnings and changed how betting excise duty is charged.

    How to check a sportsbook's licence

    1. Look for the GRA licence number on the betting site.
    2. Check the operator on the GRA website or contact the GRA directly.
    3. Avoid offshore sites that are not licensed in Kenya.

    Recent changes

    1. The Gambling Control Act 2025 came into force, and betting excise duty was cut to 5%.

    2. The GRA's first licensing cycle began after the regulations were gazetted on 30 June.

    3. The Finance Act 2026 reinstated a 20% withholding tax on winnings.

    Sources

    This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws change; check the regulator's website for the latest rules.