The current laws guiding gambling in Kenya do not restrict any age group from gambling. However, the task force team has proposed controlling the legal gambling age. Plans exist to exclude children from gambling by raising the minimum bets and age.
Gideon Thuranira, deputy chairman of the National Lottery, stated, “At the moment, you can bet even with Sh1, 2 or 5. We are trying to raise that to Sh20 because that stops children from participating in gambling.”
The Kenyan government looks forward to creating a conducive gambling environment for its citizens. Therefore they set up a public participation tour which took place in Machakos county. Stakeholders from Kitui and Makeueni were also present.
Thuranira said that operators that want to entice Kenyans to play with them while taking all the winnings should not be allowed to infringe on the country’s legal gaming places.
He emphasized, “We are asking the Communications Authority to help us stop any external person from coming to gamble in Kenyan space unless they are willing to pay taxes here.”
Thuranira also further expatiated on the government’s mandate in establishing a National Lottery. “We must have a level ground where there is a balanced activity within the sector. After the Gambling Regulatory Authority is put in place, we shall also have the National Lottery Board.”
The Lottery National’s goals are impressive. The National Lottery funds will support charities and hallmark projects. Women, young people, and persons with disabilities will all be economically empowered.