Gambling and casinos in Kenya, online casino in kenya.
Online casino in kenya
All in all, there are almost 30 gambling facilities between those four cities. Kenya offers people the ability to enjoy casino gaming, sports betting, horse race betting and bingo games. Nairobi is the largest city in kenya and it’s actually the capital. There is a lot to the city. It has a very large urban area, a national park with lots of wildlife and scenery, an entire game reserve where endangered animals find refuge, and a large number of casinos and other gambling facilities.
- All games compatible on laptop, desktop and mobile
- Unique selection of casino games (african themed too)
- Excellent support-desk and financial team
- Generous promotions to boost your bankroll
Gambling and casinos in kenya
Casinos and gambling online in kenya
Also when they play at one of the casinos, and especially when they decide to stay at one of the casino hotels. There is no shortage with regards to casino games and employees, so tourists and other patrons know they can count on getting the attention they need in order to be satisfied with their experience.
About gambling in kenya
All in all, there are almost 30 gambling facilities between those four cities. Kenya offers people the ability to enjoy casino gaming, sports betting, horse race betting and bingo games. Nairobi is the largest city in kenya and it’s actually the capital. There is a lot to the city. It has a very large urban area, a national park with lots of wildlife and scenery, an entire game reserve where endangered animals find refuge, and a large number of casinos and other gambling facilities.
Best land-based casinos to visit in kenya are: safari park hotel & casino, captains club casino and golden key casino to name a few. Visiting kenya offers you much more than kenyan casinos only. There are tons of great things you can do. If yuo are not interested in gambling in kenya check this site for other activities.
Latest posts
Choose your topic
Online gambling in kenya
The interest in gambling in kenya has helped to pave the way for legalized online gambling. Having the ability to log in and play at an online gambling site opens gambling up to those who would love to gamble but aren’t able to travel to one of the land based gambling facilities.
Legalized and regulated online gambling within the borders of kenya is also good for kenya itself. The popularity of gambling in this region makes it a profitable industry and the fact that it is legal puts kenya in the good position of being able to profit from the online gambling that takes place at the online casinos regulated inside kenya.
Those who are located within kenya’s borders are legally able to register for an account and play at any online gambling site that accepts players from that region. However, they now also have the option to play at an online casino that is both run and regulated from inside kenya itself. No matter which of the online casinos they play at, they will be able to choose from an abundance of casino games powered by excellent software.
One of the online casinos that is very popular with players in kenya is betin kenya casino in swahili which offers them an abundance of great casino games and fantastic customer support located right in kenya.
Conclusion about gambling in kenya
There is tons of excitement going on in the cities of kenya. Make no mistake, gambling is big fun on the kenyan casinos. Lots of attention to details and class. Yet a friendly atmosphere where everybody feels welcome. Slots and table games are available and amongst them the newest video slots straight from las vegas!
Online casino sites are widely accessible with the right internet connection and with a mobile friendly country kenyans can play all their favorite casino games also via their phone. Although wifi isn’t everywhere installed yet there is always a place in your area where you can log into the internet and gamble on your favorite casino game.
Kenya casinos and resorts
All in all, there are almost 30 gambling facilities (more than the casinos in tanzania) between those four cities. Kenya offers people the ability to enjoy casino gaming, sports betting, horse race betting and bingo games. Nairobi is the largest city in kenya and it’s actually the capital. There is a lot to the city. It has a very large urban area, a national park with lots of wildlife and scenery, an entire game reserve where endangered animals find refuge, and a large number of casinos and other gambling facilities.
Nairobi casinos
Nairobi has just under 20 gambling facilities that cater to a wide range of gamblers. These facilities have more than a hundred table games, nearly a thousand machines catering to video poker and slots enthusiasts.
Casino flamingo is the largest of the casinos in nairobi and it has more than a dozen table games including american roulette, pontoon, blackjack, and two poker tables. There are almost 200 machines for video poker and slots players. This casino offers games powered by some of the best software and a few examples of the software providers include EGT, IGT, amatic, novomatic, artronic and williams.
Finix casino is another one that offers players plenty of gaming options that’s also located in nairobi. This casino has more than a dozen table games with some of the games including blackjack, caribbean baccarat, roulette, and texas holdem. This casino is also great about offering a good variety of tournaments for poker, bingo, etc. There are also almost 70 machines for video poker and slots players.
Diamond casino is another option for those in nairobi that want to gamble. This casino has more than 60 machines, as well as table games that include variations of poker, roulette and blackjack. Another thing about diamond casino that is something that makes it unique is it offers its own version of poker which is appropriately named, diamond poker. This casino also has a loyalty program that’s known for being an excellent one.
Registration and payment options available for all kenyans
When players decide to play the real money online casino games, or enjoy other types of real money online betting, at one of the kenya friendly online gambling sites then they will need to register, download the necessary software and deposit funds into their account. They should also pay attention to the welcome bonuses available and make sure they do what they can to enjoy the bonuses to the fullest extent possible.
Players who are located in kenya will need to use payment methods that will work for them. Some of the most popular payment methods in the online casino gaming industry also happen to be the ones that are accepted by many of the online casinos that cater to those in kenya. These payment methods include credit cards like maestro, visa and mastercard. Players can also choose ewallet solutions like skrill or neteller for their deposits and withdrawals. Direct bank transfers are also another option.
What keeps you from giving them a try and see if the famous lady luck will join you during your game-play. She is good looking and full of fortune!
- All games compatible on laptop, desktop and mobile
- Unique selection of casino games (african themed too)
- Excellent support-desk and financial team
- Generous promotions to boost your bankroll
Opening an account is free and you are eligible for $100 bonus + 10 free spins!
Who knows what lies in the future fro you when playing a game of chance here. Are you taking that chance?!
- Kenyan safari themed slots (and other ofc)
- Professional live casino dealers
- Helpdesk very friendly and service minded
- Promotions for all players (+ extra for regulars)
Your account is free. Get up to $250 bonus + 100 free spins!
Winnings are dealt with fast and secure (like all financial transactions) and you can play from any device.
- Best for live table games and jackpot slots
- Prompt payments of winnings (+ lots of deposit options)
- 24/7 support service via mail, chat and phone
- Daily promo’s for extra cash boosts
Your account is free. Get up to $300 bonus!
Online casino in kenya
Get playing and winning online today
Welcome to onlinecasinokenya.Ke, a site which has as its focus your fun and enjoyment. We review each and every online casino site open to players from kenya on the planet here, and only list those that have made it through our intensive review system and are able to provide you with trustworthy services. You can look forward to finding:
- The online casinos that offer the quickest payouts
- How to take the best advantage of bonuses and boost your bankroll on the house
- Tips for play and guides for games that will turn you into a more informed player and an all-round better gambler
- The latest and greatest mobile casino sites for players from kenya to enjoy on the go
Get started with wonderful welcome bonuses
One of the best features of the internet-based casinos that we recommend is that they are able to provide you with really generous welcome bonuses. The casinos we rate highly really roll out the red carpet in terms of getting you started, and you can enjoy top playing options completely free.
Easily find what you’re looking for
Thanks to how internet casino sites are no more than a quick click away, the fun and enjoyment they provide crosses borders and lets players from all over the world try their luck with great gambling games. As wonderful an aspect of online play as this is, it can result in it being a little confusing to find the best sites for kenyans that offer support for the shilling. Don’t panic! Onlinecasinokenya.Ke is here to provide a roadmap to all the best sites, and you can rest assured that we’ve got you covered.
If you are on the hunt for the very best online casino in kenya, we have what you are looking for! Use the information we provide to compare all of the listings and find the most excellent entertainment, richest rewards, and latest and greatest games. We compare all the data we gather, and take support, software, bonuses and promotions into account before we give you the our expert opinion.
Banking options and online casino safety
There is a wealth of simple and safe banking options for you to choose from which all allow you to get your funds into, and your winnings out of, the kenyan casino website you select from those on offer here.
When you spend time at one of the online casinos our experts have recommended, you can enjoy the gambling games you want to in the full knowledge that it is completely safe, and fair, for you to do so. Random number generators, or rngs, are in place to ensure the outcomes of the roulette, baccarat, slots, and more that you are enjoying are not rigged, and neutral third parties audit the sites as well.
You don’t have to waste any of your valuable time worrying that you are not being treated equitably. This is why we recommend that you limit your play to the sites we recommend for you, and get started having fun and enjoying real money rewards now!
Online casino kenya
In kenya and all across the african continent online gambling has become incredibly popular over the last decade and there are now a large number of casinos that cater to this burgeoning market. However just because a casino accepts players from this region it doesn’t mean that it offers the best in gambling entertainment, so at onlinecasinokenya.Co.Ke we’ve made it our mission to seek out all the best sites for kenyan gamblers.
Onlinecasinokenya.Co.Ke is the ideal resource for new and experienced players looking for top quality casinos that are trustworthy, well established and have an excellent reputation. We only list sites that kenyan players can trust and we bring you an in-depth, detailed and up-to-date guide that lists all the bonuses on offer, making it easy for you to start enjoying incredible quality entertainment in an instant. When choosing one of our sites you can rest assured that your details will never be compromised, that all banking is conducted via safe and secure channels and that the latest in encryption technology is used to protect all confidential information.
All casinos that we recommend are licensed and regulated and fair play is a guarantee, ensuring that you have a reasonable chance of winning big with every spin of the slots reels, hand of blackjack or roll of the craps dice. Our focus is always on providing you with exceptional gambling entertainment in an environment that’s secure and kenyans can enjoy all this and more when they play at one of our top rated sites.
Online casino sites to play on real money
Mobile casino kenya
At onlinecasinokenya.Co.Ke we work tirelessly to ensure that the online casinos we recommend offer you an all-round incredible online gambling experience. We know that game selection plays a large role in the enjoyment a player will have when gambling online, so we recommend casinos that cater to everyone’s tastes. You’ll find that each site listed here boasts an extensive selection of slots, table games, card games, dice and other wagering entertainment and it does matter whether you prefer poker or keno, bingo or baccarat, you’ll find them all available at the sites we promote.
When reviewing a casino we also pay attention to the software that powers a site and our gaming experts ascertain whether it meets expectations and complies with our extremely high standards. The sites you see recommended here are therefore all powered by leading software brands and we rely on top international developers to create an array of stunning, graphic and feature rich games especially for your enjoyment. Every game is vibrant with amazing animations and realistic sound effects and renders smoothly on a number of popular platforms, including mobile. No download and download gaming options are offered and kenyans can indulge in their desired format with ease.
Online casino in kenya
We know that kenyan players want to be well rewarded when registering, making a deposit and playing for real money so we carefully check out all the bonus offerings from the casinos we review. In addition to making sure that you always enjoy generous bonuses from the moment you make your first deposit we also check that each reward features realistic play-through and wagering conditions and that cashing out once these terms are met is simple. Bonuses should enhance your online gambling experience and increase your chances of a big win, and we are here to make sure that this happens!
Online casino kenya
Gambling enjoys a high degree of popularity among kenyans, and the online equivalent has become a beloved pastime in the country known for its iconic wildlife. In contrast with most other african countries, kenya regulates and licenses gambling. For that reason, the kenyan government rakes in gambling taxes worth more than $3 million per year. Besides a legalized land-based gambling industry, the kenyan government operates an online casino. Additionally, gambling enthusiasts can play several national lottery games over the internet.
Best kenya online casinos
In addition to the state-run online gambling site, kenyans can choose from many foreign-based internet casinos. In fact, the government doesn’t block those offshore online gambling sites. There are plenty of online casinos that offer game play in english, while many also accept bets in british pounds, kenyan shillings, and american dollars. Check out these options if you already feel like indulging yourself in the stunning world of online casino gambling:
Popularity online casinos in kenya explained
Kenya is among the ten richest countries in africa, with the city of nairobi as a regional commercial hub. The kenyan economy is performing well, with an expected growth of 5.3% this year, and a 6.5% expansion in 2016. There are nearly 27 million internet users, while an increasing number of kenyans use a smartphone and/ or tablet computer for their internet activities.
Gambling and online casinos in kenya
As said before, kenyan gambling fans have lots of options to choose from. Brick and mortar casinos are always a good idea, but online gambling holds a considerable edge. Just think about the fact that online casinos are open 24/7, while there are no distractions. You can smoke as much as you want, and the bonuses and promotions add a fun twist to gambling. The dazzling jackpots available at online gaming sites are another big plus. And last but not least, online casinos offer an extensive array of slots, and table games, in addition to live gambling and mobile games.
How to deposit money in an online casino when I’m from kenya?
- Leading credit cards, like visa, mastercard and maestro, are among the most popular options.
- Kenyans can also opt to use an e-wallet when making a deposit at an online gaming site. Neteller is definitely one of the leading brands in the world of digital wallets.
- Skrill is another highly recommended option if you prefer to deposit using an electronic wallet.
Curious to discover the magic of online gaming after reading our “online casino kenya” page? Set up a royal panda account and enjoy a 100% welcome bonus after making your first deposit.
The best online casinos in kenya – legal kenyan operators + top bonuses
One of our main missions at scams.Info is to help players steer clear of any online scams so that they can gamble safely. Unfortunately, where there is money, there will always be unsavory types attempting to scam innocent people. This page will help you spot trustworthy online casino sites available in kenya. Although sports betting is probably the most popular gambling activity in the country, this page is largely concerned with the best online casinos kenya has on offer.
To quickly access the safest and top kenyan gambling sites, jump down below to our final list. The operators contain the most interesting bonus offers and exciting game libraries. Our top rated operator for kenya is betway and scored best across all of our tests.
- Gambling licence scam-free website, guaranteed winner payouts
- Third-party security testing data privacy guaranteed, encrypted connection
- Fair gaming and guaranteed payouts safe play across all operating systems and devices
This page is focused on how to detect reputable casino sites, but we have also included sections about the most famous land-based resorts in the country. Although these establishments are fun, they pale in comparison when it comes to number of casino games available online.
The results of our tests: the top 5 casinos in kenya
We put a lot of effort into ensuring that our reviews are for safe online casinos. Any operator found on this page has passed our safety tests. Below you can see a list of the best online casinos in kenya. Each of the following offers interesting bonuses for new members and other special features.
| kenyan casinos | rating | bonus | safe link |
|---|---|---|---|
| betway casino | 5.0 out of 5.0 | no welcome bonus available | to the casino |
| 888casino | 4.5 out of 5.0 | $200 welcome bonus | to the casino |
| jackpotcity | 4.5 out of 5.0 | $1600 welcome bonus | to the casino |
| mansion casino | 4.0 out of 5.0 | $5000 welcome bonus | to the casino |
| casino.Com | 4.0 out of 5.0 | $400 welcome bonus | to the casino |
So, what makes the sites above top online casinos in kenya? Firstly, they are all comparable when it comes to safety, trustworthiness and game selections. In addition, each of the operators above offer reputable service channels to help players in need. Just below, you can learn how we measure a casino’s quality.
A guide to the best casino sites in kenya
The chart below, as well as the following sections go into the specific aspects of an online casino site we look at when judging the quality and trustworthiness of an operator. Typically, a safe site needs to have the following six things. However, there are not many online operators with kenyan gambling licences. This is because most online casinos are actually based overseas and not in the country. To look for a safe and secure gambling platform, I would look for the licences from the UK gambling commission, which has the strictest security and safety standards in the world.
- Safety and scam protection it is essential for an online casino site to possess a valid security licence either from a kenyan licensing agency a different more. Find out more in the safety section of this page.
- Secure deposit and withdrawals any good casino will offer a handful of different payment options. Skip down to the payment section of this page, to learn all the pertinent info about payments.
- Quality customer support when using technology, there is always a possibility of encountering a technical issue. That is why you should find a site that has useful support options. Find out more below.
- Fair bonus termsalmost all casinos offer some sort of welcome bonus. However, not all bonuses have fair and reasonable terms and conditions. Jump below to read about the topic.
- Diverse game selection don’t settle for a site that doesn’t offer a wide array of unique casino games. Jump to the games section of this page to learn about what you will find at the top kenya casino sites.
- Secure software if you want a great experience, make sure the software you are playing with is reliable and secure. To find out how to do so, read our corresponding section.
Above are the six major ingredients of the top online casinos kenya residents can use. Safety, however, is the most important thing. One of the biggest ways, in which to guarantee safety, is to adhere to the gambling laws of your country. Below, we look into the specific legal situation regarding kenyan betting laws.
1. Safety and scam protection when playing for real money
The sad truth is that the internet is filled with threats and scams. Before spending any real money, it is vital to ensure that the site you are at isn’t a scam, and that a site is secure. By secure, I mean that it should handle all sensitive data in a way that protects against data leaks. The easiest way to guarantee a site is legit, is to look for an operator’s licences and regulating authorities. Directly below, you can find a list of all the essential aspects of safe online casinos in kenya.
- Valid casino licence
- Third-party agency trust seal
- Secure and well-known payment methods
- Technical security certificates
To find out whether an operator is an example of a safe online casino, you should scroll to the bottom of an operator’s website. Here you’ll find necessary licensing and testing information. The simplest way to look at the specifics of a page’s security is to look for a padlock icon in the top corner of your browser’s address bar. Because kenya’s betting control and licensing board doesn’t hand out many licences to foreign sites. Most of the best kenyan casinos will be accredited by the UK gambling commission or malta gaming authority, which are known for guaranteeing the best player safety standards available.
2. Secure payments – depositing and withdrawing safely
Kenyan online casinos offer an abundant selection of options for which to make a deposit or withdrawal. Most of the well-known international payment services can be used to make deposits and withdrawals at online betting sites. Big brand services are extremely safe, so you can rest easy knowing that your transactions are secure. Below, you can see a small selection of the most popular payment methods.
Airtel money is a quick and easy way to make payments using kenyan shillings.
M-pesa is perhaps the most preferred mobile payment options for kenyans. Withdrawals are usually instant.
Paypal is the most widely used E-wallet in the world due to its quick hassle-free payments.
Neteller is run by the paysafe group and guarantees its users instant deposits and withdrawals.
Deposit and withdraw directly between your bank account and your online casino.
This prepaid card is accepted at some casino sites, but almost no operators allow withdrawals using the card.
The payment options above, only represent examples of what you can find at the best online casinos in kenya. Each operator decides for itself what payment services it is going to accept. In addition, what is allowed and what isn’t (fees, limits, bonus qualification, etc.) is also left up to the bidding of a gambling website. For example, neteller and skrill deposits don’t qualify for welcome offers at certain sites. We will cover limits a little further down in this article.
2.1. Neteller: recommended payment method
Once you find an operator that is perfect for your playing style, it is time to make a casino deposit. If you stick to the sites on this page, your casino deposits and withdrawals will most likely be protected by encryption technology. Although M-pesa mobile payments are a popular payment option for many kenyans, there are a few reasons you may want to try a different service. The biggest drawback is that M-pesa, is only accepted at online casinos that allow for payments in kenyan currency. This means that it isn’t accepted at many sites. Our recommended method, with which to make transactions is neteller. The following site is the best site that accepts neteller payments.
Best neteller casino
- Accepts kenyans
- Exclusive games
Not every operator found on this page will accept neteller transactions, but nearly all of the best off-shore sites permit neteller payments. Betway, for example, allows neteller transactions on its foreign sites, but the kenyan version of the casino is limited to airtel and M-pesa banking options. Bear in mind neteller often is excluded from welcome offers, so it may be a better option to make your first deposit using a different service.
2.2. Limits and fees
This section is intended to give you a general idea of the different characteristics of each popular banking type. Typically, when it comes to deposits, online casinos are pretty accommodating. Deposits are usually instant and can be done using a wide array of channels. Have a look below at the common limits and fees associated with the most popular payment methods. These figures are simply representative of averages, and don’t correspond do all sites.
| Payment method | deposits | withdrawals | fees | payout time | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| min. | Max. | Min. | Max. | |||
| Mastercard | $10 | $5000 | $10 | $2300 | – | 1-3 days |
| visa | $10 | $5000 | $10 | $2300 | – | 1-3 days |
| skrill | $10 | $5000 | $10 | $2300 | – | instant |
| airtel | 10 ksh | 70000 ksh | 10 ksh | 50000 ksh | – | instant |
| M-pesa | 10 ksh | 70000 ksh | 10 ksh | 70000 ksh | – | instant |
Processing times depend on the method that you are using to complete a transaction. Bank transfer is commonly the slowest option out there due to banks’ internal processing times. For the quickest transactions I recommend using E-wallets, such as neteller or skrill. M-pesa is another service that is useful for making swift deposits.
3. Reliable customer support service
When it comes to your money, you are going to be happy that you took the time to find a site with reliable and trustworthy customer support. Although the good online casinos in kenya work hard to keep their software running smoothly. Sometimes you’ll encounter technical difficulties. That is why you should find a gambling or betting site that has a nice selection of quick support options. Be advised, that if you are using a foreign site the phoneline may be for an international number and thus result in long-distance charges.
4. Transparent and fair casino bonus terms for kenyan players
Don’t just look at the dollar amount when browsing for a casino bonus. Almost every casino welcome bonus will come with a long list of terms and conditions that must be adhered too when gaming. Below are the most important things to consider when evaluating a welcome promotion.
- Wagering requirements – always check how many times an offer must be bet, before winnings can be withdrawn
- Expiration period – most welcome offers come with a set time limit, in which wagering requirements must be fulfilled.
- Payment methods accepted – not all payment types qualify players for a welcome promotion. Read the T&cs to see if your method is accepted.
- Game contribution – typically, welcome offers are only useful for fans of slot games. Some casinos will allow for card game contributions.
Of all the sites that we tested, 888casino probably offers one of the more attractive welcome promotions to kenyan users. Below you can see the important information regarding the offer. The listed info will answer the four important things listed above.
| Casino | 888casino |
| bonus | up to $200 |
| bonus code | N/A |
| minimum deposit | $20 |
| wagering requirement | 30x |
| validity | 90 days |
5. Rich casino games selection
One way to ensure the site, at which you are playing is a safe online casino, is to see if the casino carries games from the industry’s most respected game developers including but not limited to: microgaming, playtech, netent, et al. Software developers are held to strict fairness standards, and their games are periodically tested to guarantee that they payout as advertised. Whether you like slots, card games, my top kenyan casinos list have got you covered.
- Slots these games are the most abundant products found at casinos. Most sites will carry at least 300 different titles.
- Progressive jackpots progressive jackpots are linked between casino websites meaning that the money pool is usually gargantuan.
- Table games for those of you who like a little more strategy involved when gaming, check out the blackjack or poker tables found in the top kenyan casinos.
- Live casino games these games are great alternative for those who don’t live near land-based casinos. Live-streaming action drops you right in the middle of the world’s best tables.
- Other games although niche, it is always nice to have the option to play
The best game selection for kenyans can be found at 888casino. The company is a known and trusted brand around the globe and offers hundreds of choices of high-quality casino entertainment. The games at 888 are suitable for all types of players due to a wide range of table and bet limits.
Casino with the best game selection
- Exclusive 888casino games
- Live casino software
6. Stable software compatible with all devices
It is now easier than ever to game on the go. A few years ago, the computer allowed us to play from home. Today, smartphones have liberated us from our desk chairs by giving us access to the internet almost anywhere. All of my top recommended kenya online casinos are 100% mobile-compatible. There is no need to download any app. Simply visit a casino site from your smartphone or a tablet and you will go directly to the mobile version of an operator’s website. Games will run as smoothly on mobile devices as they do at desktop sites (as long as internet speed allows).
What you need to know to play legally in kenya
Although gambling is a worldwide industry, it does not mean that every country takes a positive stance towards the activity. Everywhere you go, you’ll come into contact with different gambling laws and restrictions. Some territories allow some game-types while restricting others and other nations have gone as far to ban all forms of gambling. You may be wondering if gambling is legal in kenya. The next sections of this page will look at gambling in kenya specifically. You’ll be happy to know that gambling is a legal and popular activity in kenya.
Gambling laws and authorities in kenya
All forms of gambling are legal in kenya. Players, however, must be 18+ to play. The official kenyan governing body is the betting control and licensing board of kenya, which was officially established by an act of parliament chapter 131 (1966). The board grands licences to operators and regulates the services that they provide. Nevertheless, you’ll have a difficult time finding popular casino sites that hold a licence from the betting control and licensing board. Betway is one foreign site that does hold a licence from kenya’s board.
| Address | harambee house, harambee avenue P.O box 30510,00100 nairobi |
| ps.Interior@kenya.Go.Ke | |
| phone | +254-20-2227411 |
| founded | 1966 |
| cabinet secretary | dr. Fred O. Matiang’i |
| licence authority | www.Interior.Go.Ke |
The kenyan licensing board’s website is extremely outdated, so was not possible for us to find the specific steps an operator needs to take in order to obtain a licence from the board. However, typically a casino company will have to prove that they have the financial capabilities to operator a casino, without putting customers at risk. In addition, they must submit to local industry taxation regulations, which will be discussed in the next section.
Gambling taxation – do you owe taxes after a win?
All the rhetoric about player protection aside, one of the main reasons governments regulate the gambling industry, is to tap into an extremely lucrative revenue stream. Because most online casinos are based abroad, governments rely on taxes to generate money from gambling. In early 2018, kenyan leadership announced a bill that would introduce a new 35% tax on gambling operators’ revenue. Of course, betting operators, who had recently enjoyed a tax rate of 7.5% protested the decision. It was later announced operators are to hold onto 20% of gamblers winnings for tax purposes, and the revenue taxes were reduced to 15%. The treasury of kenya took the measure as a way to discourage gambling after studies suggested that some gamblers viewed betting as a way to make money rather than a leisure activity.
In addition, betting and gambling companies must pay a tax of 15% of their revenue.
Without a doubt, kenya’s 35% tax is one of the highest in the region. That being said, many african countries tax the industry in a way to benefit from businesses, that many feel don’t have the interests of africans at heart. South africa charges a 9.6% tax, rwanda a 13% tax, and uganda charges 20% (although the country recently announced plans to ban all forms of betting). Germany, las vegas and canada set their tax rates at five, six and twenty respectively. Some critics of kenya’s taxes feel that the high rate will discourage telecom and media companies from investing in the country, as many of these types of industries rely on ad money spent by gambling firms.
Most important legal texts
Perhaps the most important legal text related to gambling is the betting, lotteries and gaming act, chapter 131. The act was first introduced in 1966 but has since been characterised by continuous updates that respond to developments in the gambling industry. Below you can see an excerpt from this act, which was responsible for establishing the betting control and licensing board and establishes the various punishments and definitions of legal and illegal gambling activities for kenya. The image comes from the updated 2018 version of the act.
Betting, lotteries and gaming act (2018)
There is hereby established a board, to be known as the betting control and licensing board, which shall consist of a chairman, permanent secretary to the treasury and a permanent secretary of the ministry.
What might the future hold
It does appear that any major changes to kenyan gambling laws are imminent. The one thing that is certain, however, is a new understanding about how gambling is affecting the country’s citizens. Gambling is a multi-million-dollar business, which unfortunately has its darker sides. Although many people gamble responsibly, a significant number of kenyans do have a problematic relationship to the activity. It is the allure of betting, that encouraged the government to implement the 20% tax on gambling winnings in hopes that it would remove some of the polish of betting. Casinos and other betting sites raised revenue comparable to half of kenya’s annual health budget. For this reason, the lucrative industry is probably here to stay.
Comparison with other markets
Kenya is similar to many other african gambling markets. Betting exists almost exclusively in the form of sports betting, specifically wagers placed on the premier league in england. Like kenya, many countries are attracted to the potential sums of money that the industry generates, but the local market is still dominated by foreign companies, at least when it comes to the online casinos that accept kenyan players. As a result, most africans are forced to play at casinos with currencies that aren’t their own. Some operators like betway, have worked to establish user experiences tailored to the needs of specific regions, but this is not the norm.
Curious facts about the market
Perhaps the most concerning thing we discovered when researching the kenyan gambling market, is how the market seems to be impacting the lives of young players. Kenya has the highest number of young people (17-35) who gamble frequently, and a study in 2016 estimated that over 70% of university students are problem gamblers. However, most of this problem is rooted in easy-access sportsbooks. It is estimated that 67% of college age kenyans bet on sports.
Gambling statistics
All trends suggest that gambling in kenya is on the rise. Many researchers point towards the rapid growth of sports betting as evidence of the fact. Because the country has set its legal gambling age at 18 years, kenya has the largest number of punters in sub-saharan africa, and it is the third-largest gambling market in the continent, sitting just behind south africa and nigeria. Kenya recently earned over 1billion shillings due to betting. Sports betting dominates the market, but there are still a decent number of players who wager on casino games. In 2014, the money generated by casinos rose by 6.9%.
Most of the information available out there highlights the negative aspects of betting in kenya, and for good reason. Most of the studies we found highlighted the social impacts of wagering but did not discuss the economic developments that have resulted from the boom in the gambling market. Trends suggest that the industry is just going to grow for the foreseeable future, but we cannot predict whether this growth will positively impact the country’s economic sector or spiral out of control. The government will definitely need to look into curbing the worrying trend of underage gambling in kenya.
Gambling resorts
Although online gambling is threatening to encroach on the nice little segment of the economy that the casino industry has carved for itself, the land-based casino industry is still quite profitable in kenya. Land-based gambling establishments play a significant role in the country’s tourism industry. Typically, casinos are affiliated with resort complexes, and seek to capitalise on international tourists. As a result, most casino resorts are found in mombasa and nairobi. Tourism, however, has seen a recent dip due to unfortunate terror events.
Mayfair casino & club nairobi
The mayfair casino in nairobi is one of the jewels on the crown of the mayfair group, which operates numerous gambling locations throughout eastern africa, in addition to four other mayfair branded resorts in nairobi, malindi and two in kampala. The beautifully ornamented gaming room boasts six card tables, six roulette tables and sixty slot and video machines. In addition, the resort features a privé for high rollers. In the room, you’ll find two card tables and a roulette table. Similar to las vegas, drinks and food are complimentary for all players.
| Location | nairobi |
| opening date | 1994 |
| website | www.Myfrgroup.Com |
| owner | mayfair group |
| gaming space | 1 room |
| privé | yes |
The casino has different hours of operation depending on the game you wish the play. For example, video and slot machines open at midday every day. If you want to play table games, you’ll need to visit the casino from 1 p.M. – 3 a.M. On weekdays or 2 p.M. – 4 a.M. On friday and saturday. If you like the mayfair product, you may also visit the RKL casino, which is also located in nairobi. The casino offers a few more tables, but the games are roughly the same at both locations.
Casino flamingo
Casino flamingo is another staple of nairobi’s gambling scene. There are many reasons to visit flamingo. The senator group runs the casino and ensures safe transactions and fast reliable payouts. The game room floor has an excellent selection of casino games including card games like blackjack, roulette, poker and electronic roulette. In addition, players will find over 100 slot games from leading developers, such as novomatic. The flamingo casino is definitely the best place in kenya for land-based slot gaming.
| Location | nairobi |
| opening date | 1999 |
| website | http://casino-flamingo.Co.Ke |
| owner | the senator group |
| number of rooms | 1 |
| phone number | +254 735 257777 |
The flamingo is fully licenced by the kenyan betting control and licensing board. This guarantees player safety and protection. Although many offshore sites are immensely safe, they often only take into account the protection of the players in their home countries. Without a kenyan gambling licence, there is not guarantee of player protection. If you don’t know whether a casino, at which you are playing holds one of these licences, it is best to contact the board directly.
Famous kenyan gamblers
We searched high and low for any info pertaining to famous gamblers and kenya but came up short. When someone things of notable players, the first thing that comes to mind are figures, such as phil hellmuth and phil ivey. Both of these icons are poker players. Because the most popular gambling activity in kenya is sports betting, it is understandable that the country isn’t known for producing world class poker talents. Sports betting is an individualized activity. As a result, punters don’t usually gain notoriety outside of their friend groups.
Top offer for playing real money games in kenya
Although there are many different operators to choose from, we feel that the site below is best online casino in kenya. Although, it may lack the enormous game selection of other operators we feel that, because it has a kenyan gambling licence, it is the safest and most trustworthy online casino for kenyans.
Best offer in kenya
- Kenyan gambling licence
- Play in kenyan currency
Casino kenya
We have searched the internet and put together the most trusted and best functioning online casinos for players living in kenya.
All the casinos below offers mobile casino apps and they accept players from kenya.
Comments
Post a Comment