Kenya is one of the big 3 when it comes to Africa and online gambling. Undoubtedly, the activity has had an impact on its people. Over 80% of Kenyans have tried online gambling before. With this insane number, many question this activity’s impact on the people. In this article, we provide answers. Here is an explorative ride through Kenya’s online betting scene.
An Overview of Kenya’s Online Gambling Scene
| Regulatory body | Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) |
| Supported Gambling Activities | Sports betting, casino games, and lotteries |
| Number of Online Casinos | 50+ registered sites |
Kenyans have a tremendous market size for gambling. In 2020, it was valued at $40 million, and the market has been breaking new highs since then. Most of the revenue from Kenya’s online gambling comes from sports betting. Soccer, especially European leagues, attracts the most action.
Access to the Internet has increased participation in online gambling. It is more convenient, accessible, and mobile. Players can gamble on the go. Whether it is at home, school, or during transport, Kenyans can enjoy sports betting and gambling. The regulatory body regulates the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB). Online gambling became legal in 2011. However, it was not until 2019 that foreign operators joined the chat.
Current Gambling Trends Among Kenyan Gamblers
Gambling is seen as a money-making scheme. This has led to increased participation among Kenyan gamblers. Here are the current gambling trends Kenya:
- Mobile Gaming: Many Kenyan operators offer mobile-friendly apps and sites, so playing on the go is commonplace in the country. Players can enjoy sports betting or gambling from their Android or iPhone smartphones.
As of 2019, 88% of bettors used their mobile phones to place wagers, which is only expected to increase. Most Kenyans that bet do so from their phones. Plus, gamblers can play Jetx fly and win seamlessly from their phones.
- Transition from Land-based to Online Platforms: There is a recent trend of land-based casinos opening online platforms. Most physical casinos are opening online casinos to cater to the growing trend of online gamblers, which leads to more accessibility to gambling services.
- More Sports betting: Sports betting is trending in Kenya. Most users prefer to place their bets on their favorite soccer teams than play slots or table games. This trend might be thanks to the country’s love for sport. Sport is widely acclaimed among Kenyans;; hence sports betting is a way to profit from it.
According to Statista, there will be 402,000 online sports betting Kenya users by 2029, 85,000 online casino users, and 54,000 lottery users. The main sports are football, basketball, cricket, and athletics.
- Tons of Gambling Platforms: There was only one bookmaker when gambling became legal. All Kenyan bettors had to register with the operator to place bets. However, now, there are hundreds of bookmakers. Plus, there are also online casinos Kenya, where players can try exciting games such as Jetx fly simulations
How Online Gambling is Affecting Kenyan Youths
Online gambling in Kenya has a blend of good and bad effects on Kenyan gamblers. Here, we go over both to offer a rounded perspective of what’s going on in Kenya as regards online gambling:
- Job Creation: Right off the bat, we have jobs. The inflow of gambling platforms has led to the creation of more jobs for youth wich leads to positive impact on youth.
- Reduced Productivity: Gambling is an addictive pastime which can take over one’s whole day. The prevalence of gambling led to decreased productivity.
- Financial Burden: Many Kenyan gamblers run sportsbooks and casinos to alleviate poverty. However, for many, it has the opposite effect. Gambling has led to widespread financial strain as people take out loans among other things to participate in online gambling.
- Irresponsible Gambling: Many youth don’t know how to balance gambling with other activities. This has led to more youth betting rather than participating in other relevant activities. More responsible gambling measures need to be taken to curb the widespread effect.
Summing Up
Kenya is one of the leading countries in terms of online gambling regulations. More youths participate in the pastime, and more will continue to do so. This has led many to question its effect on the youth. Undoubtedly, gambling in Kenya has a mix of merits and demerits. This article covers everything you need to know about Kenya and gambling. Remember to stay safe and gamble responsibly.
