Gambling companies have moved to the High Court seeking to stop the implementation of new gambling regulations that significantly increase licensing and compliance costs across the sector.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The petition is challenging an increase in the licence fee for online bookmakers from Ksh200,000 to Ksh50 million and casino licence fees from Ksh7 million to Ksh120 million.

According to the petitioners, the online bookmaker application charge has risen from Ksh10,000 to Ksh5 million, while pool and betting licence renewal fees have increased from Ksh5,000 to Ksh2.5 million.

The firms argue that the revised regulations were introduced without adequate public participation and should not be enforced.

📌 What You Need to Know

They also contended that uncertainty over the government office or Cabinet Secretary responsible for the gambling sector created confusion during the creation and implementation of the new rules.

The petition further argues that the regulations impose capital and insurance requirements that exceed those provided for under existing law.

Gambling Control Regulations, 2026, took effect on June 30, introducing stricter compliance requirements overseen by the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA), requiring operators to review their business models and operational practices.

The High Court had earlier suspended implementation of the regulations pending the hearing and determination of the case.

However, the GRA asked the court to lift the suspension, saying the orders have disrupted licensing, inspections and the processing of new applications.

The regulator maintains that the revised requirements are intended to ensure gambling operators have adequate financial capacity and strengthen oversight of the industry .

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke