Betting firms in Kenya could face suspension or licence revocation for repeatedly allowing self-excluded gamblers to place bets or encouraging them to return to gambling under new regulations aimed at strengthening consumer protection.
The measures are contained in the Gambling Control (Conduct of Gambling Operations) Regulations, 2026, gazetted on June 30, which introduce third-party-initiated exclusion from gambling for the first time under Kenya’s gambling laws.
Under the new rules, a family member or other interested party may apply to the gambling regulator to exclude a person where their gambling has caused, or is likely to cause, serious financial hardship, threatens dependants or family welfare, or where gambling-related harm has affected their ability to make informed decisions.
“A family member or other interested party may apply to the Authority for the exclusion of a person where the person’s gambling has caused or is likely to cause serious financial hardship; the person poses a risk to dependants or family welfare; or the person lacks capacity to make informed decisions due to gambling-related harm,” the regulations state.
Betting operators will also be required to establish automated systems capable of rejecting deposits and blocking access to gambling services by self-excluded customers for the duration of their exclusion period.
“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 state.
The rules prohibit operators from directly or indirectly encouraging self-excluded customers to resume gambling through promotional messages, bonuses, incentives or other marketing communications.
The regulations further establish a national self-exclusion register containing details of excluded gamblers, including their names and the duration of exclusion, to help operators enforce the restrictions.
Licensed betting firms will also be required to monitor customer behaviour and intervene where there are signs of gambling-related harm or financial distress.
“A licensed operator may initiate exclusion where it reasonably believes that a gambler exhibits signs of compulsive or harmful gambling or is gambling beyond their apparent financial means,” the regulations state.
The new rules form part of wider government efforts to promote responsible gambling amid concerns over excessive betting and financial hardship linked to gambling, particularly among young people.
Betting operators are expected to review their compliance systems to ensure they can identify self-excluded customers, prevent prohibited transactions and marketing, and respond appropriately to customers showing signs of gambling-related harm.
The regulations are expected to significantly change how gambling firms manage customer protection, with non-compliance exposing operators to regulatory sanctions, including possible suspension or loss of their operating licences.
– By Daniel Kamau
