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Nairobi County has proposed a new bill for the betting industry penalising property owners with hefty fines or jail time for hosting unlicensed gaming activities. Under the 2023 Nairobi City County Betting, Lotteries, and Gaming Act, using premises near schools, religious institutions, or residential areas for public gaming could attract fines of up to Sh1 million or a five-year prison sentence.
The bill, which Ngara MCA Chege Mwaura introduced, seeks to bring order to this growing sector by establishing the Nairobi City County Betting, Lotteries, and Gaming Control Board. This body will be responsible for licensing and regulating all betting, gaming, and lottery operations within the county.
A Second Attempt at Regulation
This isn’t the first time Nairobi authorities have tried to regulate the industry. Back in 2021, the courts rebutted a proposal to restrict betting to five-star hotels. However, the new bill takes a different approach, emphasising stricter location-based restrictions, increased public participation, and corporate responsibility from betting companies.
“Close to 80% of betting in Kenya happens in Nairobi. That’s why we’re pushing for more public involvement this time around. We want betting companies to be legally obligated to provide psychosocial support to the communities they operate in,” Mwaura explained.
What’s at Stake in Nairobi County?
If passed, this bill will raise the stakes for gaming machine operators and landlords renting out spaces for unlicensed betting activities significantly. The county government aims to make betting more regulated and expensive by targeting gaming dens in informal settlements and high-density areas.
The key provisions of this bill include:
- Tougher penalties: Any property owner who allows public gaming without a license could face fines of up to Sh1 million or up to five years in prison.
- New licensing authority: The proposed Gaming Control Board will have the power to license and regulate all forms of gaming, lotteries, and totalisators within the county.
- Stronger oversight on prize competitions and public lotteries: The board will also oversee prize competitions and public lotteries, ensuring they meet county regulations.
- More corporate responsibility: Betting companies will be required to contribute to community welfare through psychosocial support programs.
A Balancing Act: Regulation vs. Economic Impact
While the crackdown on unlicensed gambling is meant to protect vulnerable communities, the bill also acknowledges the industry’s economic significance. According to Ngara MCA Chege Mwaura, betting and gaming activities generate jobs and revenue for the county. The goal is not to ban betting entirely but ensure it is properly regulated and beneficial to Nairobians.
Nairobi county expects the new licensing framework to boost revenue collection while curbing illegal gaming dens often operating unchecked in low-income areas.
Public Debate Heats Up
As the bill moves through the legislative process, it will likely spark intense debate. Supporters argue that Nairobi has become a betting hotspot, with unchecked growth fueling addiction and financial distress among young people. Conversely, critics worry that overly restrictive regulations could push the industry underground, leading to more unregulated gambling rather than less.
For now, all eyes are on the Nairobi County Assembly, where the fate of the bill will be decided. If passed, Nairobi will set a precedent for other counties, signaling a major shift in Kenya’s approach to regulating the betting industry.
Source: E-play Africa
