Kenya launches first licensing cycle under new gambling rules
Kenya has begun implementing a new gambling regulatory framework after the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) launched the country’s first licensing cycle under the Gambling Control Act, 2025. The licensing cycle follows the publication of five subsidiary regulations in the Kenya Gazette on 30 June, which came into effect on 1 July. Published as Legal Notices 111 to 115, the regulations introduce new requirements covering licensing, regulatory oversight, technology, advertising, foreign operators and player protection.
Last week, the GRA issued a notice to gaming operators confirming the commencement of the first licensing cycle under the Gambling Control Act, 2025.
The Gambling Control Act, 2025, established the GRA as Kenya’s gambling regulator and expanded its mandate to oversee the sector. “The Regulations provide the detailed operational framework necessary to ensure a transparent, accountable and well-regulated gambling sector. Collectively, they give effect to the Act and enable the Authority to discharge its mandate effectively, while safeguarding the public interest and promoting responsible gambling practices,” the regulator said.
New framework introduces stricter oversight
The reforms are set out in five subsidiary regulations: the Gambling Control (Licensing) Regulations, 2026, the Gambling Control (Conduct of Gambling Operations) Regulations, 2026, the Gambling Control (Foreign-Based Operators) Regulations, 2026, the Gambling Control (Advertising) Regulations, 2026, and the Gambling Control (Gambling Appeals Tribunal) Regulations, 2026.
Together, they establish the legal framework for licensing, gambling operations, advertising, appeals, foreign-facing operators and national lottery activities.
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of mandatory real-time regulatory monitoring for online gambling platforms. Under the Gambling Control (Conduct of Gambling Operations) Regulations, 2026, operators must provide the GRA with real-time access through a secure application programming interface (API) and integrate their systems with the Authority’s Central Monitoring System and the National Gambling Register.
The regulations also require operators to implement geolocation technology, maintain encrypted audit logs, separate player funds from operational accounts, encrypt customer data, maintain business continuity measures and, unless exempted by the Authority, store and process gambling data on servers located within Kenya.
The Conduct of Gambling Operations Regulations also introduce standards covering responsible gambling, anti-money laundering controls, cybersecurity, player protection, record keeping and technical requirements for gambling platforms.
Licensing requirements expanded
The Gambling Control (Licensing) Regulations, 2026 set out the licensing requirements for casinos, bookmakers, lotteries, online gambling operators, gambling equipment manufacturers, software providers and key gambling employees.
The new regime also expands oversight to suppliers and service providers supporting the gambling industry. As part of the first phase of the licensing process, operators and prospective applicants have been instructed to notify suppliers and service providers that they must obtain permission, licences or authorisation from the Authority before providing services to gambling operators.
Operators have also been directed to submit a list of all suppliers and service providers to the GRA within seven days of the notice. The regulator stated: “All operators and/or prospective applicants are required to notify all their suppliers and service providers that they shall need permission, licenses and/or authorisation from the authority before supplying or offering any services to the operators in the gambling industry pursuant to Section 28 (2)(j)(k)(l)(m)(n) of the Act and Regulations 12,13,14,15 and Regulation 16 of the Gambling Control (Licensing) Regulations, 2026.”
Separate licence categories have also been introduced for online bookmakers, online lotteries and online casinos. Under the new fee structure, online bookmakers and online casinos will each pay a licence fee of KES50m (US$387,500), while online lottery operators will pay KES20m (US$155,000), in addition to application, renewal and annual operating fees.
New rules for foreign operators and player protection
The Gambling Control (Foreign-Based Operators) Regulations, 2026 establish licensing requirements for companies serving overseas markets. Under the regulations, foreign-based operators must have a minimum paid-up capital of KES100m (US$775,000) and provide a security bond of KES200m (US$1.55m). They must also comply with host country laws and implement measures to prevent unauthorised access to their services within Kenya.
The Gambling Control (Advertising) Regulations, 2026 set out the framework for gambling advertising, while the Gambling Control (Gambling Appeals Tribunal) Regulations, 2026 set out the procedures for appeals against decisions made by the GRA.
The new framework also strengthens player protection through mandatory responsible gambling policies, age verification measures and participation in a national self-exclusion system designed to prevent excluded individuals from gambling.
Transition period for existing operators
As part of the transition to the new regulatory framework, licences issued under the previous regime will remain valid for 60 days from the publication of the Gambling Control (Licensing) Regulations, 2026, in accordance with Regulation 30(1). During this period, operators are required to apply for licences under the new framework.
The Authority said the extension is intended to ensure continuity as operators move to the new licensing framework. The GRA also sought to reassure existing operators and new applicants about the licensing process.
“The Authority assures all existing operators and prospective new applicants that the new licensing process and systems deployed will be seamless, user-friendly and is designed to foster a fair, competitive, and well-regulated gambling industry that balances economic growth with consumer protection,” the regulator said.
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