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The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has announced a halt to all annual gambling license applications, which includes both renewals and new requests. This suspension comes as the board prepares to hand over its regulatory responsibilities to the newly established Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya (GRA).
In a public notice released last Thursday (Oct 2), the BCLB confirmed that current license holders can continue their operations under the existing conditions until their licenses reach expiration.
“The transition process is scheduled to be completed by the end of February 2026. A further communication will be issued to announce the official commencement of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya and the resumption of licensing activities under the new regime,” the notice stated.
Director General of BCLB, Peter Mbugi, called on operators and stakeholders to stay active and wait for official updates, describing the transition as “a critical step towards a modern, robust and responsible regulatory framework”.
A new era for the Kenyan gambling industry
The transition to a new regulatory framework signifies the shift of control from the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) to the newly formed Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya (GRA).
This change is rooted in the Gambling Control Act, 2025, which was signed into law by President William Ruto in August 2025 and officially took effect on August 16, 2025. The Act replaces the long-standing Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act, Cap 131, and brings modern standards to the gambling sector.
With this new legislation, Kenya aims to enhance its gambling environment through stricter compliance measures and improved consumer protection. The GRA will oversee all gambling activities, ensuring a unified regulatory approach that includes online and county-level operations.
Key provisions of the Act involve implementing consumer safeguards, such as self-exclusion programs and limits on advertising, along with bolstering compliance through real-time monitoring, anti-money laundering strategies, and robust data protection practices.
As the GRA prepares to take over from the BCLB, it is already developing comprehensive regulations covering licensing processes, compliance standards, and operational guidelines.
Source: Focus Gaming News
