The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has announced a suspension of all annual gambling license applications, including both renewals and new requests. This pause is in preparation for the transfer of regulatory responsibilities to the newly established Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya (GRA).
In a public notice released on October 2, the BCLB confirmed that current license holders may continue their operations under existing conditions until their licenses expire.
“The transition process is expected to be completed by the end of February 2026. Further communication will be issued to announce the official launch of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya and the resumption of licensing activities under the new framework,” the notice stated.
Peter Mbugi, Director General of BCLB, urged operators and stakeholders to remain engaged and await official updates, describing the transition as “a critical step towards a modern, robust, and responsible regulatory framework.”
The shift to a new regulatory framework marks the transfer of control from the BCLB to the newly formed Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya (GRA). This change is based on the Gambling Control Act, 2025, signed into law by President William Ruto in August 2025, which took effect on August 16, 2025. The Act replaces the long-standing Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act, Cap 131, introducing modern standards for the gambling sector.
With this new legislation, Kenya aims to enhance its gambling environment by implementing stricter compliance measures and improved consumer protection. The GRA will oversee all gambling activities, ensuring a unified regulatory approach that encompasses online and county-level operations.
Key provisions of the Act include consumer safeguards, such as self-exclusion programs and advertising limits, as well as enhanced compliance through real-time monitoring, anti-money laundering strategies, and robust data protection practices.
As the GRA prepares to take over from the BCLB, it is already developing comprehensive regulations that will cover licensing processes, compliance standards, and operational guidelines.
Source: igamingtoday.com
