Members of Parliament in Kenya last week proposed an increase in the legal gambling age to 21 for bettors. During a session held on 30 July, MPs also discussed including a minimum betting amount for all sportsbook sites.
Kenya’s Gambling Control Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 70 of 2023) set the market’s minimum gambling age at 18, but under new proposed rules individuals under the age of 21 would no longer be legally permitted to make a parimutuel wager.
Also discussed in parliament was a minimum betting amount of Ksh50 ($0.39) to dissuade youths from excessive gambling activities.
“We discourage young people from engaging in [betting], because getting Ksh50 is a bit [difficult],” member for Dagoretti North constituency Beatrice Elachi said during the parliamentary proceedings.
“It is like these people are so powerful that they can convince the government to pass a bill that can be shaped into what they want. What we are doing to our young people is wrong,” Elachi noted.
This latest move comes following the ongoing proposal from the National Assembly to deliberate on provisions of the Gambling Control Bill.
Should the latest bill sail through and get the assent of the president, operators that fail to adhere to the new gambling age restriction will face severe sanctions.
Locals react to Kenya gambling age limit change
Some Kenyans are unhappy about the incoming restrictions, believing 18-year-olds should be allowed to gamble as they are adults.
“Adults should be able to have free will when it comes to gambling. If the government believes 18-year-olds are mature enough to go to war, then they are surely mature enough to spend their money on sports if they so wish,” a trader at Gikomba market Machakos Nairobi told iGB.
Another bettor said: “If 18-year-olds can vote and serve in the military, they should also be allowed to wager, as it’s a matter of personal freedom and consistency with other adult responsibilities. Why can’t they focus on fixing the nation first?”
These are just a few of the reactions that have raised questions about the move’s feasibility.
Although the timeline for the bill’s progression is uncertain, the House of Assembly remains committed to its proposal.
Latest list of operators released by BCLB
Elsewhere, Kenya’s Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) on 29 July released an official list of all iGaming operators that have been approved for licensing in the market for the 2025/26 financial year.
Several prominent brands, including Betika, Odibets, Betpawa, Flamingobets, Kwikbet, My Lotto/Tatuatatu, made the cut. A total of 99 firms were listed.
Part of the regulator’s campaign is ensuring the country’s gaming landscape continues to conform to the responsible gambling regulations being put in place.
“Further to our letter REF: BCLB 15/1/VOL.1 (65) dated 30th June, 2025, this is to confirm that the attached list of Gaming Companies have been approved for licensing and therefore have been approved to continue with their operations after the expiry of the 30 days extension,” said the report signed by the board’s chairperson, Dr Jane Makau.
The full list can be found here.
Kenya’s BCLB is preparing a major shakeup of current regulations, including increasing licensing fees for operators. This follows a recent gambling ad ban in the country.
Locals have rallied against proposals to raise the gambling age in Kenya to 21.