Online Gambling in Kenya: Guide to the Best Online Gambling Sites in Kenya 2024

The Top Kenyan Online Gambling Sites

Kenya is the third-largest gambling market in Africa and has become so by offering an expansive legal gaming industry that thrives on land and online. To help you find the best online casino, sportsbook, DFS, or poker site, we’ve created this expert guide to the best gambling sites in Kenya. You can find the best Kenyan gambling sites with top gaming products and promotions in 2024 below. Make sure to stick with us and find out just how easy online gambling in Kenya can be.

Scott Bowen, Editor at online-gambling.com

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Scott Bowen has been a casino expert and editor at online-gambling.com for a few years. He has professional experience in many gambling products, including roulette and blackjack, video poker, and sports betting.

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Legal Gambling Types in Kenya

Kenya’s laws are notably open when it comes to what constitutes legal gambling. There is a large land-based casino and gambling industry in addition to plenty of internationally-renowned online gaming options. Whether in person or online at the betting sites in Kenya, players can enjoy most gambling options, including slots and table games, poker, sports betting, horse racing, bingo, the lottery, and daily fantasy sports.

Online Casino

Kenya’s gambling legislation is over fifty years old, meaning that there aren’t any specific laws that deal with the legality of online gambling. That being said, it is completely legal to play at online casinos in Kenya, despite the fact that most casino options haven’t been licensed by Kenya’s gaming regulator. Most of the world’s top online casinos accept Kenyan players, allowing them to enjoy a wide range of world-class slots, table games, and live casinos. We recommend choosing a well-respected casino such as the one we have recommended below to ensure you are playing at the safest, most trustworthy betting sites in Kenya.

Online Sportsbooks

Sports betting is undoubtedly the most popular form of gambling in Kenya, and it generates millions in revenues each month for sports betting sites. In particular, Kenyan players are drawn to betting on football and basketball. There are plenty of top sportsbooks that accept Kenyan shillings and even award bonuses in the same currency. With only a handful of land-based betting parlours spread throughout the country, online sports betting is by far the most convenient and accessible option for local punters. Take advantage of the wide betting options available at the top betting sites in Kenya and try the live streaming feature to watch games while you bet. You can find fair, competitive odds and top features at our recommended sports betting site below.

Daily Fantasy Sports

While Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) hasn’t quite taken off in Kenya as it has in the USA or the UK, we imagine that it will happen in due course. These competitions are primarily skill-based, and many would argue that they don’t constitute gambling at all. To play DFS, participants pay an entrance fee to compete against other contestants in drafting fantasy teams of players from a particular sports league. Points are scored based on the performance of their chosen players each week. In the end, the highest-scoring contestants win the pooled entrance fees. Leagues include the most popular sports, ranging from football, the NBA, NFL, and MLB. This is perfect for players who enjoy sports and don’t mind a bit of research.

Online Poker

Due to their unrestrictive market, Kenyans have been able to enjoy the latest advancements in online poker as soon as they’ve rolled out. These sites have become popular in Kenya, as poker remains one of the most iconic skill-based gambling games in the world. Kenyans can enter international single cash game events or tournaments for games such as Omaha, Stud, and Texas Hold’em at any time, so these sites can be a great training ground for upcoming poker players. For lower-stake games, players may also want to try video poker at online casinos. We recommend you check out our top Kenyan poker site offer below for some of the most engaging rooms.

Online Lottery

The lottery is an established pastime in Kenya, and roughly 10 percent of the country is expected to buy tickets to the national daily and weekly draws. However, local lotteries offer much smaller jackpots than many other international draws, which is why many may seek out other online lottery options. There are several lottery websites, such as the one we’ve recommended below, that accept Kenyan players. Here, you can buy tickets to international draws, KENO, play bing, and even enjoy digital scratch cards. While admittedly, these mega-jackpot draws have incredibly low odds to win, there are still several other smaller options available for those wanting something a little less risky.

Our Guide to Choosing the Best Kenyan Gambling Sites

Now that you understand what the market has on offer, it’s time to make your final decision about which site will be right for you. That being said, there are still several other essential factors to consider before registering at any of the betting sites in Kenya. In the upcoming section, we’ve explained our fool-proof method to determining which sites are worthwhile, and which are duds. With our easy-to-follow advice, you can learn how to spot a site that is safe and fair, what sites offer the best games, some common bonuses and promotions to keep an eye out for, and much more.

Website Safety, Security and Licensing

It is not illegal for Kenyans to gamble with foreign operators, however doing so can put you at a higher risk of being scammed. As much of Kenya’s online gambling activity takes place on these foreign sites, it’s up to consumers to be sure that they are betting at safe and trustworthy sites. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to guarantee that you will always receive fair and fast payouts and that your private information will be safe from scammers. The best way to do this is by only wagering with licensed sites. Whether licensed by Kenya’s gaming authority, the MGA, or UKGC, you can be sure that your safety is guaranteed. Below, we’ve listed several gambling safety organizations that work with Kenyan players and operators.

The Games Catalogue and Betting Options

Ask any gambler what they are looking for in a new online casino and they’ll most likely say that the games are the top priority. After all, this is where the most exciting action tends to take place. For this reason, it’s essential that you take the time perusing an online casinos games catalogue to ensure that there are games available that you want to play. Ideally, you want to see that there’s a diverse selection of slots, table games, and even a live casino.

The more top software developers are stocked, the more variety you will have in terms of franchises, designs, themes, and betting options. The same goes for sports betting, poker, lottery, and DFS sites. Be sure that your chosen website offers the kinds of markets, draws, or rooms that appeal to you before making any deposit. Some players may get lured over to a new site because the welcome bonus looks too good to turn down, but just remember — a bonus is not worth anything if you’ve got nothing to play on.

Popular Online Casino Games in Kenya

When it comes to online casino gambling, Kenyan players are extremely diverse in their preferences. By far, online slots draw the most attention, and this is for a good reason. Slots offer what seems to be an endless variety of variations, with each having its own design, payout structures, betting options and special features. These games also vary wildly in volatility and return to player rates (RTPS), which have a major effect on the fairness of the games. For those looking for more elegant casino classics with higher RTPs, table games such as blackjack and roulette are also popular with Kenyan. Below, you can find the most popular Kenyan online casinos games and their average RTPs.

Best Gambling Bonuses in Kenya

Due to the huge competition that online gambling sites face in Kenya, many of them frequently offer large welcome bonuses in order to attract new customers. When these bonuses are good, they can be a great way to try out a new site without having to make a major investment. Kenyan gambling sites accept Kenyan shillings and payout bonuses in Kenyan shillings too. Some common bonuses to look out for are free spins and bonus fund deposit matches for online casinos, and free bets, odds-boosts and risk-free bets at sports betting sites. Just be sure to meet the terms and conditions of the bonuses if you want to make the most out of them. See below for the top Kenyan gambling site bonuses.

The Best Payout Gambling Sites

In order for an online gambling site to earn a license, it must first prove that it meets the regulator’s minimum standards for fairness. Generally, operators will need to submit certificates awarded by independent testing agencies that guarantee the average payout rate of a casino. This is worked out by finding the average return to player rate of all games and betting offers on the site. Testing agencies such as iTech Labs and eCOGRA are respected around the world for their precise and integral testing methods, so if they have verified the payout, you know you’re in safe hands. As a general rule of thumb, always bet with sites with high average payout rates. You can find the average payout rates of our recommended sites below.

Available Payment Methods

Another indicator that a site is trustworthy is the number of well-known banking methods that it supports for gambling transactions. For one, this proves that the website is trusted by well-known companies that take cybersecurity seriously. It also proves that the website understands the importance of catering to a variety of players and their banking preferences. For example, some methods of transfer, such as credit cards, can only be used to make deposits, while e-Wallets can usually facilitate both. However, e-Wallets may charge small fees. Bank transfers on the other hand can facilitate all transactions without fees but can take up to a week to process. By giving customers numerous options, this allows for a greater level of peace of mind. Below are some common Kenyan gambling site payment methods.

1. e-Wallets:
   1. PayPal
   2. Neteller
   3. Skrill
   4. AirTel
2. Credit/Debit Cards:
   1. Mastercard
   2. VISA
   3. Maestro
   4. Visa Electron
3. Bank Transfers:
   1. Instant Banking
   2. Bank Transfer
   3. Wire Transfer
   4. Sofort
4. Other:
   1. Bitcoin
   2. Paysafecard
   3. ApplePay
   4. Google Pay
   5. MTN Mobile Money

Mobile Gambling Platforms

Numerous studies have indicated the online gambling use in Kenya has exploded alongside the rate of smartphone use. For better or for worse, this proves it is necessary for gambling sites to offer high-quality mobile gaming platforms that can be accessed on both iOS and Android devices. When we’re reviewing mobile apps, we like to see that the platforms are fast, intuitive, well-categorized, and easy to navigate. They should also feature all of the flagship games and betting features that are included on the desktop version. Luckily, all of our recommended gambling sites offer brilliant mobile apps, the details to which can be found below.

Gambling Software

As we mentioned in the games section, it’s important to look out for what software companies are involved with a gambling site. When it comes to online casino and live casino games, there are several renowned developers known for producing the best games with the fairest payouts, so you’ll want to be sure that at least one of these are represented. With sports betting, poker, and daily fantasy sites, the software may be less noticeable but is just as important. High-quality software will ensure that there will be no technical issues and that the site will remain stable for features such as live streaming and live betting. Take a look at some of the best gambling software companies below.

Kenya Online Gambling Laws & Regulations

All forms of gambling have been legal in Kenya under the Betting, Lotteries, and Gaming Act of 1966. In fact, Kenya’s gambling market is one of the biggest in Africa, with locals known for having a huge interest in sports betting. However, one of the major drawbacks to having such old legislation is that many issues with the modern iGaming market have not been addressed, and the country is struggling to deal with an out-of-control youth gambling problem. Currently, Kenya’s National Assembly is working on new legislation that will address the online gambling market in particular, and provide better protection to Kenya’s 45 million-strong population.

The Legality of Online Gambling

Due to the nature of Kenya’s broad gambling laws, all forms of online gambling are legal in Kenya. This includes online casino gambling, sports betting, poker, horse race betting, daily fantasy sports, and the lottery. This has created a huge online gambling market which far surpasses the scale and profitability of its land-based gaming industry.

Land-Based Gambling Options

There are more than 30 land-based gaming facilities in Kenya, which include casinos, video gambling machine halls, horse racing tracks and sports betting parlours. These can be found in the largest cities, including the capital Nairobi, Mombasa, Ukunda or Malandi. At casinos, players can enjoy slot machines, poker, and table games such as roulette and blackjack. Sports betting parlours take bets for local and international games, while horse racing tracks host dozens of meets and special events annually. Unlike many other countries, Kenya does not run a National Lottery, but instead, the lottery is run by private companies. Regardless, it is also hugely popular.

Regional Gambling Laws

According to Kenya’s current Gaming Act, Kenya’s regional governments also have a place within the permitting of gambling activities. Although the regions must act in accordance with the federal law, it is up to each county to license gambling operations looking to establish a presence in the region, monitor them, authorize games, and enforce compliance. Essentially, counties must use the act as a framework for these processes and have the backing of the national legislation to guide and justify their decisions.

Official Gambling Regulator

The Betting Control and Licensing Board was established by the passing of the Betting, Lotteries, and Gaming Act of 1966 and has existed since then. It is in charge of regulating the entire industry, including issuing licenses to online gambling sites. It’s stated mission is to promote responsible gambling and eradicate illegal gambling activities. It also operates as an advisor to the National Assembly, Kenya’s federal government, on matters relating to gaming legislation, and is currently helping to draft new gaming legislation.

Are Online Gambling Winnings Taxable in Kenya?

Both players and operators must pay taxes on gambling winnings and revenues in Kenya. For companies based in Kenya, a tax rate of 30 per cent of gross gaming revenues must be paid. For foreign companies, a tax rate of 37.5 per cent must be paid. The does not include VAT taxes, which can be charged at a minimum of 5 million KSh per year. Tax has been a controversial topic in Kenya, with lawmakers struggling to find a compromise on an appropriate tax scheme for companies. Recently, a tax rate of 20 per cent on player gambling winnings was introduced as a measure to curb problem gambling.

Legal Gambling Age

For most gambling activities, Kenyan players must be over 18 years old to legally participate. This includes all forms of land-based gambling such as sports betting and casinos and online gambling. The only activity that has a different age limit is the lottery, which has a minimum age requirement of 16 years. The topic of age and gambling is a sensitive subject in Kenya, with the country facing an underage gambling epidemic. It is estimated that 76 per cent of Kenyan youth participate in gambling activities, which has inspired regulators to make some changes to its policies, including changing the advertising laws.

Advertising Laws

Currently, there are very few restrictions on gambling advertising in Kenya, with operators spending billions of shillings every month on advertisements. Some have claimed that a proper lack of oversight approach has been instrumental in fuelling the underage gambling problem, and lawmakers have proposed some major changes to the laws. In 2019, a law was passed to ban gambling advertising on social media platforms, ban outdoor advertisements, and stop advertising between 6 am and 10 pm. The law also required the advertisements must be first approved by the Betting Control Board and include a warning including the harms of problem gambling. However, within weeks, the High Court overturned these laws for not following the correct legal process. Key stakeholders are now working on new legislation that will likely feature these kinds of proposals, with a revamped Gaming Act expected for 2021.

Penalties for Illegal Gambling

The Betting, Lotteries, and Gaming Act of 1966 clearly defines what constitutes a gambling crime as well as the punishments for committing these offences. Some of these serious offences include offering illegal gambling activities, cheating, sending chain letters promoting gambling, tax evasion, permitting underage gambling and gambling in public without permission. In some cases, offenders can expect to receive fines ranging from 3,000 shillings to 10,000 shillings, while prison sentences of up to two years. Below is a list of some defined Kenyan gambling crimes alongside their penalties.

Upcoming Regulation Changes

Currently, Kenya’s federal government is considering a new Gambling Act that may be introduced in 2021 if it receives overwhelming support. If successful, the Gambling Act of 2020 is set to revolutionize the entire industry and will address a huge range of topics ranging from advertising to online gambling. Below, we will summarize the biggest changes to the laws.

Advertising

Online Gambling

New Regulator

National Lottery

Responsible Gambling Organizations

One of the benefits of gambling at a casino that has been licensed by a respected regulator is that gambling sites must do their utmost to protect their customers. It is therefore a requirement for operators to create a responsible gambling policy and implement features and technologies to help guide and support those who may be struggling with compulsive gambling. This may mean including self-limitations on deposits or time, and self-exclusion and cool-down periods. Operators should also work with responsible gambling agencies to understand how to curb the risks of their products and guide players to agencies and groups that can help if a problem arises. The following are a few useful companies that help Kenyan players who are looking for support to limit or stop their gambling.

Curious Facts About Online Gambling in Kenya

The Kenyan gambling market is the third-largest in Africa behind South Africa and Nigeria. It is expected that more than $2 billion USD are wagered on sports bets in the country each year, with betting on European football leagues generating the most revenues. Young Kenyans are a huge demographic in the gambling market, with more than 90 per cent of African youth admitting to gambling on their smartphones in the past year. On average, Kenyan gamblers spend roughly $50 a month on gambling, with most of this spent on online sports betting.

History of Gambling in Kenya

Gambling laws were introduced in Kenya very soon after the nation attained independence in 1963. Kenya was one of the first African countries to legalize full-scale gambling, and has been seen as an example of progress when it comes to African gambling expansion. The Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act of 1966 was a comprehensive law that essentially legalized all forms of gambling as long as it was authorized by the federal gaming regulator. Since then, the same act has been used to govern gambling. In 2011, the Kenyan government authorized a state-run online casino operator, though it was not to last long. Only in recent years has the federal government pushed for an overhaul to the current laws, with changes expected for 2021.

Popular Land-Based Kenyan Casinos

There are roughly 30 land-based casinos spread throughout Kenya, with roughly 20 of these located in the capital city of Nairobi. The largest of these casinos is the Casino Flamingo, which offers 13 table games including roulette, blackjack and poker. There are also more than 200 slot machines. The Finix Casino is frequented by poker players due to the regular Texas Hold’em tournaments held there, and because of its elegant setting. Perhaps the most classy casino in the country is the Mayfair Casino and Club. Mayfair is a well-established gambling brand in East and Central Africa, and its Kenyan property offers exclusive gaming in a beautiful setting.

Online Gambling vs. Land-Based Gambling in Kenya

As many Kenyans don’t live in Nairobi, they do not have as many options when it comes to land-based gambling. It makes sense, then, why online gambling is far more popular among Kenyan gamblers. Not only is it more convenient, but there are dozens of sites to choose from that offer welcome bonuses and thousands of games. That being said, land-based casinos are still worth the visit due to perks such as complimentary bar service and the general social atmosphere. For this reason, we recommend our readers stick to online gambling sites when it comes to casual bets, and save the land-based casino visits for special occasions.

More Interesting Guides You May Enjoy

With online gambling in Kenya set to change in a big way in 2021, it can be useful to have a look at other country’s markets so you know what you can expect. This is why we’ve provided some more of our most popular guides. Here, you can learn some interesting information about some of the biggest gaming markets while picking up some extra tips on how to choose the best gambling site for your needs.

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