Kenyans' Alleged $5.92 Billion Betting Expenditure Denied by BCLB
Laying the Truth Straight: The Real Deal with Betting and Gambling in Kenya
The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has squashed wild rumors that Kenyans shelled out a whopping Sh766 billion (USD 5.92 billion) on betting and gambling. In a candid statement, chairperson Jane Makau admitted that this figure was far from accurate, as it covered unlicensed and offshore betting sites, distorting the actual economic reality of the regulated operators.
Makau spilled the beans about the significant tax revenue generated by the betting and gambling sector. During the 2023/2024 financial year, tax revenues from these activities amounted to a hefty Sh22.3 billion (USD 172.12 million). This high tax revenue underscores the importance of legalized gambling to the economy.
To put the Sh766 billion claim into context, Makau pointed out that it would equate to 31% of the national revenue. By 2025, gambling and betting are projected to bring in Sh20 billion. This projection aligns with the steady, controlled growth of the industry. Makau proudly proclaimed, "These figures indicate both the popularity of licensed gambling and the need for ongoing stringent regulation."
With the enactment of the Gambling Control Bill, 2023, regulations in the gambling industry are slated to become more robust. This bill aims to strengthen the regulatory framework, ensuring the protection of vulnerable individuals and promoting responsible gambling.
Makau stressed the importance of considering the social implications of gambling, with mobile phones being a popular gaming tool. To that end, the BCLB will collaborate with health and non-governmental organizations to educate Kenyans about the risks of problem gambling. This public awareness campaign will be carried out through county workshops, media chats, school programs, and media outlets.
The BCLB plans to work with health and NGOs to provide counseling and support to gamblers in Kenya. "This holistic approach is essential for monitoring licensed operators, detecting unlicensed sites, and applying administrative and regulatory sanctions against offenders," stated Makau.
One of the initiatives undertaken by the board is the implementation of a national self-exclusion scheme, allowing individuals to willfully opt out of all gambling services. This scheme has proven effective, as requests for self-exclusion reports have increased.
In conclusion, despite recent spending frightening headlines, the BCLB remains committed to maintaining the well-being of communities and combating unlicensed gambling platforms. With ongoing reforms and public education campaigns, the board aims to preserve the integrity of the gambling sector while shielding vulnerable citizens.
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- The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) in Kenya has corrected a misleading estimate that suggested Kenyans spent Sh766 billion on betting and gambling, stating that this figure was inflated as it included unlicensed and offshore betting sites.
- During the 2023/2024 financial year, tax revenues from the regulated betting and gambling sector totaled Sh22.3 billion, underscoring the sector's importance to the Kenyan economy.
- By 2025, gambling and betting are projected to bring in Sh20 billion, aligning with the steady, controlled growth of the industry. Chairperson Jane Makau stated that these figures indicate both the popularity of licensed gambling and the need for ongoing stringent regulation.
- The BCLB plans to collaborate with health and non-governmental organizations to educate Kenyans about the risks of problem gambling and provide counseling and support to gamblers, aiming to preserve the integrity of the gambling sector while shielding vulnerable citizens.
