Gambling operators in Kenya were just celebrating the High Court’s decision to strike down the proposed restrictions on gambling ads. However, the government wants to rain on their parade by proposing more Kenya gambling restrictions. 

Lawmakers are creating a comprehensive bill with the goal of giving the gambling industry a difficult time. In fact, Gaming Bill 2019 wants to introduce several restrictions on existing gambling products. In addition, the gaming bill wants to increase the licensing fees for betting operators. 

According to the bill, the minimum bet will become KES50 or around $0.50. At present, gamblers can place bets as little as KES1. Lawmakers said that the low amount encourages people to gamble more. 

Proposed Kenya Gambling Restrictions

Under the proposed bill, the gambling operators need to pay KES30 million a year or around $296,000. At present, gambling firms need to pay KES1 million to apply for a license, KES3 million licensing fee, and an annual license fee of KES500,000. Also, there’s a renewal fee of KES25,000. 

The tax rate for gambling revenues is 35 percent. In addition, gambling companies need to contribute 20 percent of their revenue to charity. Under the proposed gambling bill, companies sponsoring local sports teams will qualify for tax rebates. 

The proposed gaming bill also wants to stop illegal bookie software operations in the country. The bill has provisions involving online and land-based gambling activities. Its goal is to block illegal gambling websites. In addition, it wants to stop the growth of illegal gaming machines. 

Also, the bill wants to address the large portion of the gambling industry revenue benefits other countries. Only a small portion goes to Kenya. According to gambling news sources, Kenya’s gambling market is worth around KES200 million or $2 million. However, the government is only getting a small portion of the amount because companies don’t declare their actual earnings, according to bookie pay per head reviews.