Betting companies that allow self-excluded gamblers back onto their platforms could lose their licences under sweeping new regulations aimed at protecting people battling gambling addiction. The rules also stop betting firms from sending promotional messages to punters who have voluntarily chosen to stay away from gambling.
The Gambling Control (Conduct of Gambling Operations) Regulations, 2026, require all licensed betting operators to install automated systems that reject deposits made by self-excluded gamblers for the entire period of their exclusion.
Once a gambler signs up for self-exclusion, the restriction must remain in force for at least six months and cannot be cancelled or shortened before the period ends.
"A licensee who accepts a wager from a self-excluded person shall be liable to suspension or revocation of licence for repeated violations," the regulations, gazetted on June 29, 2026, state.
The self-exclusion programme is designed to give gamblers struggling with addiction time away from betting by preventing them from depositing money into their accounts or placing wagers. The arrangement, commonly referred to as a cooling-off period, is intended to shield affected gamblers from financial hardship, debt, bankruptcy and mental health challenges linked to excessive gambling.
Similar safeguards already exist in countries such as the United Kingdom, where betting operators risk losing their licences if they ignore requests for self-exclusion or continue marketing gambling products to affected customers during the exclusion period.
Kenya is adopting the measures as concern grows over the financial impact of gambling on many households. Many gamblers have been forced to borrow money to sustain their betting habits, while others neglect their daily responsibilities, including supporting their dependants.
The Gaming Regulatory Authority of Kenya (GRAK) is expected to roll out a central register of self-excluded gamblers before the end of the year. The database will contain the names of gamblers who have chosen to be locked out of betting platforms, together with the duration of their exclusion.
"The Authority shall keep and maintain a secure register of persons excluded from gambling activities. The register shall contain the details of each excluded person, including..." the regulations state.
All licensed betting companies will have free, real-time access to the register to ensure they do not allow listed gamblers to open betting accounts, place wagers or receive promotional gambling material.
The regulations form part of efforts to slow the rapid growth of gambling in Kenya, even after the government imposed higher taxes on betting activities.
Gamblers currently pay a 12.5 percent excise duty on betting stakes and a 20 percent withholding tax on winnings. Betting companies also pay a 15 percent tax on gross gaming revenue, a 30 percent corporation tax on profits and a 16 percent income tax.
Even with the increased tax burden, gambling remains widespread. Kenya has the highest share of gamblers in Africa, ahead of larger economies such as South Africa and Nigeria.
A 2024 survey by the Central Bank of Kenya found that gamblers in urban areas spent an average of Sh2,125 every month on betting, while those living in rural areas spent an average of Sh1,481.