Gov’t Under Fire as Report Claims Kenyans Bet Ksh 766 Billion in 2024
The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has strongly dismissed recent reports suggesting that betting revenue in Kenya reached an astronomical KSh 766 billion in 2024.
A local newspaper published a report claiming Kenyans were spending excessively on gambling, alleging that the total amount wagered approached one trillion shillings. The report painted a grim picture of a nation drowning in betting addiction, pointing to what it termed a gambling crisis.
According to the article, gamblers spent at least KSh 766 billion last year alone—an amount the publication equated to around 31% of the national revenue. But the BCLB has pushed back, calling the figures highly exaggerated and misleading.
In a statement, the BCLB labelled the report a “myth” and accused the media of inflating the data to push a specific narrative.
The agency clarified that the total projected earnings from the betting industry in 2025 stand at a modest KSh 20 billion—far removed from the sensational KSh 766 billion cited by the newspaper.
BCLB Chairperson Jane Makau suggested the figures were likely distorted by including activity from offshore and unregulated platforms, which are not part of the licensed Kenyan market.
“Debunking the KES 766 Billion Myth,” the board’s statement read. “Recently reported in the media, it was claimed that Kenyans spent KES 766 billion on gambling in 2024, a figure roughly equivalent to 31 percent of national revenue. The sensational figure inaccurately inflates the size of the regulated market, likely by including offshore (unlicensed) platforms.”
The board voiced concern that such reports could mislead both the public and policymakers. By misrepresenting the scale of the licensed betting market, the media could inadvertently influence decisions based on flawed data.
The BCLB emphasized that the legal betting industry in Kenya is still growing, but it is not on the scale suggested by the newspaper report. Instead of harming the economy, the board argued, the licensed betting sector is contributing positively in several areas.
According to the BCLB, the industry provides direct employment to more than 10,000 Kenyans and indirectly supports over 500,000 livelihoods. Furthermore, licensed operators contribute significantly to local communities through corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects.
“The industry directly employs over 10,000 Kenyans, supports over 500,000 livelihoods indirectly, and contributes substantial amounts in community projects under CSR,” the board stated.
Despite acknowledging the growing public interest in gambling, the BCLB maintained that regulated betting must not be confused with uncontrolled gaming on offshore platforms. The two operate under vastly different frameworks, and conflating them paints an inaccurate picture of the local landscape.
This is not the first time the board has called out misleading statistics. Over the years, BCLB has warned against sensationalizing the betting narrative, noting that balanced reporting is crucial for fair public discourse.
The board has reiterated its commitment to regulating the gaming sector responsibly. It continues to work with stakeholders to ensure compliance, transparency, and the protection of consumers from unlicensed operators.
With growing concerns about gambling addiction and financial strain on the youth, the BCLB says it supports open conversations about responsible gaming—but insists such discussions must be grounded in accurate data.
The board concluded by urging media outlets and researchers to verify statistics before publication, especially when the figures could spark widespread concern or mislead decision-makers.
In essence, while betting revenue in Kenya is a topic that deserves scrutiny, the BCLB insists the facts must speak louder than fiction.
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Gov’t Under Fire as Report Claims Kenyans Bet Ksh 766 Billion in 2024
