This article focuses on the requirements to get a public gaming license in Kenya. The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) is statutory body mandated to control and license betting & gaming premises and the activities carried out therein.
The board imposes and recovers taxes, authorises lotteries, prize competitions and eradicates illegal gambling activities.
BCLB issues public gaming licenses to those who meet the board’s regulations and requirements.
Public gaming generally refers to casinos and the activities carried out therein. This includes slot machines and table games.
Casino gaming involves games such as baccarat, blackjack, twenty-one, poker, craps, dice, slot machines, roulette wheels, klondike tables, push cards, pull tabs, punchboards, faro layouts, numbers of tickets, jar tickets and any other activity that BCLB authorises as a wagering game.
On-premises mobile casino gaming is also considered casino gaming.
Public Gaming License Requirements in Kenya
- Application form (Form 13A). The form is available on the Betting Control and Licensing Board’s (BCLB) official website and can be downloaded at any time.
- Submit a detailed concept for the proposed business.
- Proposed operating name of the business is different from the one registered.
- Evidence of capacity to undertake public gaming operations seamlessly.
- A business plan showing the minimum investment and sources of funding.
- The proposed games of chance to be offered in the casino with a brief description of each game.
- Proposed corporate social responsibility activities to be conducted during the license duration. Remember to indicate the budgets, sector you would be supporting and details of the projects.
Public Gaming License Fees
1. Application Fee
Kshs 1,000,000 (non-refundable).
2. License Fee Grant
Kshs 3,000,000.
3. Annual License Fee
Kshs 500,000.
4. License Renewal
Kshs 25,000.
5. Investigator Fees
Local Director: Kshs 250,000 (non-refundable).
Foreign Director: Kshs 1,000,000 (non-refundable).
Betting Control & Licensing Board (BCLB) Contacts
Location: ACK Gardens Annex, Bishop Road, 1st Ngong Avenue, Nairobi.
Contacts: 0111 021 400/ 0111 021 407.