The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has reported difficulties in managing underage gambling due to insufficient funding from the National Treasury. The board noted that over 80% of gambling activities in Kenya now occur online, and the lack of financial resources to introduce new technologies has hindered its ability to protect youth and vulnerable individuals from gambling. BCLB Underage Gambling
During a session with the National Assembly’s Committee on Sports and Culture, BCLB’s Principal Administrative Secretary, Arthur Osiya, stated that the board struggles to effectively monitor and regulate the gambling industry because it cannot implement necessary technologies.
He remarked that preventing minors from participating in online gambling remains a significant challenge, as many young people use their parents’ mobile phones to place bets. Osiya highlighted the addictive nature of gambling, which distracts underage individuals from their educational pursuits.
To address these issues, Osiya indicated that BCLB requires Sh500 million to develop and implement a Gambling Central Monitoring System (GCMS) for better oversight of the industry.
Mr. Osiya emphasized that with more than 80% of gambling shifting online, as seen in many countries, the integration of proper technology is essential for effective regulation. He also updated lawmakers on BCLB’s recent efforts to combat illegal gambling; the board has identified 37 unauthorized foreign gambling websites and seized illegal Chinese slot machines across the country.
To encourage responsible gaming, the BCLB has conducted awareness campaigns in 12 counties, Osiya noted. He informed the committee, led by Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama, that implementing advanced technology would enable the board to more effectively oversee the gaming industry, ensuring public safety, fostering revenue generation, promoting responsible gambling, and supporting growth within the sector.
Osiya lamented the inadequate funding from the Treasury, which he argued has hindered BCLB’s operations and contributed to low revenue. He highlighted institutional challenges, including a lack of staff, training, and resources, as barriers to the board’s effectiveness.
Despite these hurdles, he reported that the board helped the government collect Sh88.4 billion in taxes over the last five years. Osiya disclosed that the Treasury allocated only Sh531 million to the board during that time for regulatory activities, stating that more resources would allow BCLB to enhance its efforts and augment tax collection.
Osiya called on the committee to prioritize the swift approval of the Gambling Control Bill 2023, which seeks to create a comprehensive legal framework for regulating the gambling industry and protecting the public from its harmful consequences. He expressed his concerns about the current Betting Lotteries and Gaming Act Cap 131, citing numerous gaps that impede the board’s regulatory capabilities.
In response, Mr. Wanyama pledged the committee’s support in advocating for larger budget allocations from the Treasury, which would enable the BCLB to carry out its responsibilities more effectively. BCLB Underage Gambling