Kenyan gambling operators forced to reapply for license
Kenya’s Gambling Regulatory Authority has opened its first full licensing cycle under the Gambling Control Act 2025, forcing every gambling operator in the country to submit a fresh application to remain in the market.
The GRA said existing licences will expire on September 24, 2026, establishing a single deadline covering bookmakers, online casino operators, lotteries and land-based gambling businesses.
The process follows a High Court decision allowing the regulator to resume most of its licensing and enforcement functions after regulations underpinning the new regime were partially frozen by a legal challenge.
GRA Director General Peter M. Karimi said the Authority was committed to ensuring “integrity and fairness in licensed gambling activities” as it moves the industry onto the new framework.
Kenya already has a crowded gambling market. The GRA’s 2025/26 register includes well over 100 businesses, including major brands Betika, SportPesa, Odibets, betPawa, Mozzart Bet, SportyBet, Dafabet, 1xBet, 22Bet and BC.Game.
Those Kenyan gambling sites will now need to successfully navigate the new application process rather than simply rolling over their existing approvals.
The overhaul could also make Kenya more accessible to overseas operators. The GRA has developed specific Foreign-Based Operator Regulations allowing international gambling companies to seek authorisation, provided they establish a regulatory presence in Kenya and comply with local reporting, technical, anti-money laundering and financial requirements.
Interest in African regulated markets is increasing, with international groups including bet365, Kaizen Gaming and Super Group expanding their presence across the continent. However, there is not yet evidence of a major influx of new overseas applicants specifically for Kenya’s new licensing cycle.
One major uncertainty also remains.
The High Court has kept proposed increases to licensing fees and minimum capital requirements suspended. An online bookmaker application fee was due to rise from around Ksh10,000 to Ksh5 million ($38,500 USD), with the licence itself costing Ksh50 million ($386,000 USD).
The substantive challenge is scheduled for judgment on October 2, meaning operators may be applying for licences before knowing the final cost of operating under the new regime.
