In Kenya, as in many other countries, excessive gambling addiction is a growing problem. Although gambling can bring short-term pleasure and money, its consequences are often devastating to the mental health and finances of not only the gamers themselves but also those around them.
Authorities in Kenya are actively fighting gambling addiction
A new bill to regulate gambling in Kenya proposes a 15% monthly tax on betting revenue. This means that online gambling companies must pay tax on the revenue generated. There are also fines of up to 20 million shillings for violations, including evasion of winnings. These measures are aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in the gambling industry.
Of course, the tax does not consider foreign bookmakers operating in Kenya without a license. Such platforms attract customers with free cash bonuses, which can be found at www.topcadcasinos.net. Users do not pay attention to the lack of a license because they are not so important as getting a bonus. Offshore casinos do not pay taxes in Kenya but attract millions of locals. So the authorities are faced with the task of how to limit the activity of such sites.
The online gambling industry in Kenya is facing major changes due to the upcoming Gambling Control Act 2023. The bill is set to replace the existing Betting, Control and Licensing Board to improve regulation and supervision of the gambling industry.
The new law includes the following additional measures:
- The introduction of licensing for all gambling operators will enable them to be monitored and regulated.
- Establishing a new gambling regulating authority to oversee the industry and adopt strategies to combat problem gambling addiction.
- Defining an age limit for participation in gambling to protect minors from potential negative consequences.
- Introducing fines and penalties for violators of the law, in order to increase the accountability of gambling operators and protect the interests of gamers.
The proposed law provides significant measures to crack down on unscrupulous betting companies in Kenya. Fines of up to 20 million shillings and a maximum jail term of up to 20 years are imposed on those companies that fail to pay winnings to their customers on time or avoid paying them altogether. This is a strong message to the industry to comply with the laws and treat their players responsibly.
In addition, there are plans to introduce a monthly gambling levy, which should not exceed one per cent of monthly gambling revenue. This will change the financial landscape of the gambling industry, creating new sources of revenue for the Government and providing additional funds for charitable and social causes.
Also, landlords who allow their premises to be used for gambling without a proper license can be fined huge amounts or even sent to jail. Such strict measures have been put in place to address the negative impact of illegal gambling establishments on society, including problems with pathological addiction, crime and money laundering.
In addition, those who participate in gambling without a proper license also face severe penalties. Fines of up to 3 million shillings or imprisonment for up to three years can be a reality for such offenders. Repeat offenses are even more severely penalized and individuals can be sentenced to fines of up to 5 million shillings or imprisonment for up to five years.
The measures taken by the Kenyan Government are aimed at creating control over the gambling industry in the country and protecting citizens from the possible negative effects of unlicensed gambling activities. They also contribute to the promotion of law and order in the society.
