Best Online Casinos in Kenya: Top Kenyan Casino Sites for 2024

Do you prefer to gamble online? Check out the selection of the best online casinos in Kenya with excellent security. Find the most exciting games that you can play with M-Pesa payments at the top Kenyan casino sites.
Last Updated on 16 Oct 2024 by Review Team

The Top-Rated Online Casinos for Kenyans in November 2024

Casino Site Welcome Bonus Casino Games Mobile Games Live Games Site Rating: Secure Link:
Coming Soon 855 800+ 70
5.00 ★ out of 5
mozzartbet.co.ke
35,000 KSH Welcome Bonus 3820 3492 230
4.90 ★ out of 5
22bet.co.ke
223500 KES + 150 Free Spins 4500+ 4500+ 145
4.80 ★ out of 5
888starz.com
Coming Soon 960+ 800+ 8+
4.70 ★ out of 5
177,500 KES + 150 Free Spins 150 80+ 720
4.60 ★ out of 5
190,000 KES + 150 Free Spins 2500+ 2500+ 570+
4.50 ★ out of 5
1xbet.com
20,000 KES On First Deposit 2500+ 1500+ 500+
4.50 ★ out of 5
melbet.com
500€ 1000 784 20
4.50 ★ out of 5
www.unibet.com
Gamble Responsibly
  • Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
  • Never chase losses; it's a path to more losses.
  • Understand the rules and odds of the games.
  • Gambling isn't a way to solve financial problems.
  • If gambling stops being fun, seek help.

On this page, we will reveal the top online casinos in Kenya that are licensed and regulated. We will also provide you with a complete overview of how we evaluated the operators.

There is no shortage of exciting casino sites that accept players from Kenya, no doubt. Yet not all are created equally. We have tested countless operators to separate the good from the bad.

Top Casino Sites in Kenya for 2024

  1. Mozzart (Best Kenyan Online Casino for Overall Performance)
  2. 22BET (Recommended Casino Site in Kenya for Bonus Offers)
  3. 888Starz(Safe and Secure Casino for Kenyan Players)
  4. BetLion (Top Online Kenyan Casino for Fast Secure Payouts)
  5. PariPesa (Top Table Games Selection in Kenya)
  6. 1XBet (Best Blackjack Games for Kenyan Players)
  7. MelBet (Variety of Payment Methods in KES)
⭐ Best Online Casino for 2024 Mozzart Casino
🔒 Best Security Features Unibet
🎁 Best Casino Bonus 22BET
🤵 Best Live Casino Mozzart Casino
📱 Best Mobile Casino App 22BET
🎰 Best Casino for Slots Mozzart Casino
🎡 Best Casino for Roulette PariPesa
♦️ Best Casino for Blackjack 1xBet
💵 Top M-Pesa Casino Mozzart Casino
🏦 Fastest-Paying Casino BetLion

Finding the best online casino in Kenya can be a daunting task. It may seem easy on the surface, but just look at the number of games the venue boasts, the more, the better.

However, there are many crucial factors that each gambler should consider before accessing an online casino. In this case, we have taken the burden away from your shoulders and have examined each section carefully.

The most important factors to be mindful of include the casino’s safety, trustworthiness, and transparency. These are tightly connected with the operator’s licensing, auditing procedures, and commitment to responsible gambling.

Moreover, we make sure that each online casino in Kenya we recommend boasts the most impressive library of games that are powered by top-tier software developers in the field.

Along with the above-mentioned essential factors, we have also taken under consideration the mobile-friendliness, the selection of bonuses and their terms, as well as the addition of a live casino and/or VIP Programme.

Each of the recommended online gambling sites in Kenya features a great selection of casino games, including top-notch live casino games that you can play with real dealers. Besides, they boast an exciting selection of promotions and special offers to reward you for your loyalty.

Last but certainly not least, Kenyan players must know that each of the operators is licensed and regulated by reputable authorities, which ensures a safe gaming experience with fair games and strict standards of player protection.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Playing at Online Casinos from Kenya

We had to do thorough research and test the overall performance of every online casino in Kenya. Before we dive into this, we would like to share with you the major pros and cons of playing at online casinos, as this will be the first step.

Online Casinos in Kenya
Advantages:
  • Available 24/7
  • Playing on Mobile Devices
  • Great Variety of Games
  • Excellent Security
  • Many Casino Promotions
Disadvantages:
  • Need Internet Connection
  • Longer Cashouts
  • Strict Verifications

Without a doubt, the biggest advantage of playing online lies in the fact that you can enjoy thousands of casino games from the comfort of your home. You can simply access the best online casinos in Kenya and choose your preferences.

Moreover, online casinos offer a much wider variety of games. You can choose from different types of games with excellent quality. Moreover, you can also benefit from much more flexible betting limits.

Yet another great advantage of Kenya’s leading casino sites is that they are licensed and regulated and offer excellent safety. On top of that, online operators also offer various casino bonuses and promotions that you can benefit from.

Let’s not forget to mention that operators follow the latest tendencies, and online casinos are optimised for mobile devices. All this means that you can play on the go whenever you want, wherever you may be.

How to Choose the Best Online Casinos in Kenya?

Here are our expert tips on how you can test and evaluate the Kenyan casino online gambling platforms. 
  • Time Needed: 00:30
  • Tools Needed: Laptop or mobile
  • Software Needed: Email
How to Choose the Best Kenyan Online Casinos Step 1
Safety Options Audit
Always select only operators that are licensed by the gambling commission in Kenya. You want to be sure that the Kenyan casino sites are safe. 
How to Choose the Best Kenyan Online Casinos Step 2
Game List Audit
Browse the different types of games available at your preferred casino. Diversity is important to Kenyan players in the long run.
How to Choose the Best Kenyan Online Casinos Step 3
Game RTPs Audit
Another thing that you should also check is whether the games at the KE casino sites have fair payout rates. This is also part of the security features.
How to Choose the Best Kenyan Online Casinos Step 4
Welcome Bonus Audit
Always check the wagering requirements of all welcome offers. Play only at operators that offer welcome promotions with fair terms suitable for players with different skills.
How to Choose the Best Kenyan Online Casinos Step 5
Available Payment Methods Audit
In your preferred Kenyan online casino, make sure you are aware of the available payment options before registering.
📑 Online Casinos Legal
📑 Sports Betting Legal
📑 Online Poker Legal
📑 Online Bingo Legal
📑 Online Lottery Legal
🔞 Legal Age 18+

All forms of online gambling in Kenya are legal. The industry is regulated by the Betting Control and Licensing Board of Kenya. The board was established by an Act of Parliament Chapter 131 in 1966.

The regulatory body has the power to grant licences to gambling operators and to regulate the services they provide. Whilst the board has the power to grant licences to online casino operators, you will struggle to find a Kenyan online casino.

Previously, the state-owned casino BetKenya was licensed by the Betting Control and Licensing Board, however, this is no longer in operation. As such, locals who want to play real money casino games at one of the best online gambling sites in Kenya must look further afield.

There are plenty of reputable offshore online casino sites that are happy to accept players from the country and are regulated by authorities similar to the BCLB. Of course, players must exert caution to ensure that they only play at safe and trusted casino sites.

In our expert opinion, the best way to ensure that an offshore online casino site is not a rogue is to check for a licence, especially from the Betting Control and Licensing Board. If it is licensed, you can be confident that you will not become a victim of a scam.

Other gambling licences issued by the UK Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority, the Gibraltar Gambling Authority, the Alderney Gambling Control Commission or the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission are also a serious seal of approval verifying legality and integrity.

Casinos licensed by such authorities provide fair games with high-tech data protection measures and demonstrate a commitment to protecting players. Gambling is forbidden to anyone under 18, which is the same age limit that exists in Kenya.

How to Check the Licence of a Kenyan Online Casino

Safety is the most important element when it comes to playing at any online casino in Kenya. Therefore, you need to know how to check the safety features of the operators to be sure that they are legit.

First of all, you need to check for a licence from the official gambling regulator in the country. This is the Betting Control and Licensing Board of Kenya. You can check for the BCLBK logo on the footer of the website.

  • Full Name: Betting Control and Licensing Board of Kenya
  • Website: https://bclb.go.ke/
  • Address: ACK Gardens Annex , Bishop Road, 1st Ngong Ave, Nairobi – Kenya
  • Email: info@bclb.go.ke
  • Phone: +254-111021400

You can also check for licences from other reputable gambling regulatory organisations that work internationally. This will be another indication of the operator’s trustworthiness, and you will be confident that it is no scam.

Let’s not forget to mention that you can also see if the operator works with responsible gambling organisations. It is important that online casinos can provide their customers with adequate support.

Last but not least, strong SSL encryption technologies are also a must. They ensure that your data will be kept safe. All these elements tend to be extremely important when checking the overall security of the casino sites in Kenya.

Reputable International Casino Licensing Agencies

Of course, you need to know that the licence from the Betting Control and Licensing Board is most important since this is the major regulator of all gambling activities in the country.

Nevertheless, it is even better if the casino site you choose to register at is also licensed by other international gambling regulatory organisations. Several other organisations issue licences and they work internationally.

The gambling regulators that we have outlined are officially recognised in the gambling business. Their licences indicate that the casino site is reputable and reliable. Therefore, you can be sure it is secure enough and can be trusted.

For example, if the casino is certified by testing agencies such as iTech Labs, it also means it has gone through thorough checks. You can be sure that the games you can play are verified in terms of fairness.

Gambling Responsibly in Kenya

There has been little information related to the data analysis of problem gambling. Although studies of young people have indicated high levels of online gambling in Kenya nowadays, there is still not much specific data related to gambling.

A GeoPoll survey into mobile gambling among 17-35-year-olds in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) determined that Kenya had the largest number of gamblers, with 76% having bet previously. The survey also revealed that 96% of people surveyed used their mobile phone to gamble.

Throughout the years, the government have made various attempts to reduce the high level of gambling, particularly among young people, whilst effectively maintaining the valuable income provided by operators through taxes.

For starters, they increased the gambling tax almost 5-fold in 2017 in a bid to stop Kenyans from becoming problem gamblers. Further proposals to impose taxes on winnings are also intended to reduce the interest in gambling among the younger generation.

The Responsible Gaming Society of Kenya (RGSKE) is an organisation that aims to help prevent and reduce harm from gambling. They build awareness of responsible gambling practices, helping to build understanding and awareness of the dangers of gambling.

They feature responsible gambling tips on their social media pages to help players recognise signs of gambling addiction and to help deal with the issue. Licensed offshore casino sites promote responsible gambling amongst players, too.

In addition, they also train their customer support agents to be able to provide adequate support and advice to anyone who may be struggling with gambling addiction. And this is yet another step toward regulating gambling better.

How We Ranked the Best Online Casinos in Kenya

To be able to make a selection of the best casino sites in Kenya, we had to check several extremely important elements. They tend to be milestones and should never be neglected as they play a huge role in operators’ overall performance.

Safety is the first element to outline. All operators need to be licensed by the respective regulatory organisations and other testing agencies. This can guarantee their fairness. The more security seals operators have, the better.

The selection of games is yet another essential factor. Players need diversity, and operators have to meet the expectations of their customers. Therefore, we picked the online casinos based on their game diversity.

The other element that we paid attention to was the presence of attractive casino bonuses and promotions. The casino sites that we recommend offer generous bonuses that come with reasonable wagering requirements and are suitable for players with different skills.

Every player has to be able to deposit fast and cash out the winnings as soon as possible. Therefore, operators need to support the most popular and convenient payment methods. At the same time, the quality of their customer support service is also a vital element.

The new trends and innovations should not be neglected either. Many players in Kenya prefer to gamble through their mobile devices. This is why all casino sites in our selection are fully optimised for Android and iOS devices. Some of them even offer dedicated apps.

Safety Requirements for Kenyan Online Casinos

To experience the great fun and entertainment of playing real money casino games online, you need to be confident that the games you play are fair. This is one of the essential elements to pay attention to.

After all, the fun soon turns to frustration if you stand no chance of winning. Whilst there are plenty of casino sites that accept Kenyan players, it is imperative that you choose one that is reliable and trusted.

Reputable operators hold licences from genuine regulatory bodies, such as the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority and the Government of Gibraltar. Playing at a casino that is licensed by such authorities guarantees that games are fair.

As part of licensing requirements, operators must prove that the games they provide are not rigged. Genuine casinos use a Random Number Generator to generate the results of their games and ensure that results are truly random.

Licensed operators enlist the services of independent testing agencies to audit their RNG and game payouts. Some of the leading authorities include Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), eCOGRA and iTech Labs.

Only by playing at a casino site with a genuine remote gambling licence you can play with the confidence that games are not fixed. Fortunately, the legal situation for the Kenyan casinos is currently positive, and you can have the chance to find secure operators.

List of Casino Games Available Online

To be considered the top online casinos in Kenya, operators need to offer a first-class game portfolio. Top operators will typically feature hundreds of slots. From machines with traditional style to the most graphically advanced and feature-rich video slots, they provide solutions to cater to all players’ preferences.

What is more, is that they will also offer progressive jackpot slots with exciting casino rewards. Yet slots are not everyone’s game of choice, and that is why a diverse game portfolio is vital.

The best Kenyan online casinos include a range of different types of game propositions. They provide some of best online casino games and interesting traditional versions of popular online casino games like roulette and blackjack.

There should also be innovative and unusual variants that provide a new twist on traditional rules and gameplay. Below, you can see some of the types of real money games that you can play at the best casino sites in Kenya.

Which Are the Best Online Casino Games to Play from Kenya?

Our research showed that players in the country love different types of online casino games. However, some game propositions tend to be picked more often by gamblers in the country. The good news is that the top casino sites we have selected offer the necessary range of propositions.

Among the available games, online slots are the most preferred ones. And this is natural since slots offer extremely easy and amusing gameplay. Besides, the top slots can be played on the go, which is something that Kenyans like a lot.

KY Online Casino Game Type Software Min Bet Max Bet RTP Game Rating Tested at
Slot Play’n GO 0.10€ 50€ 96.21% 4.95/5
Jackpot Slot Microgaming 0.25€ 6.25€ 88.12% 4.90/5
Slot NetEnt 0.10€ 100€ 96.10% 4.90/5
Live Dealer Evolution 1.00€ 10,000€ 97.30% 4.90/5
Blackjack Switch Studios 1.00€ 200€ 99.69% 4.90/5
Live Dealer Evolution 0.10€ 5.000€ 96.58% 4.85/5
Roulette Playtech 1€ 1000€ 97.30% 4.85/5
Slot Pragmatic Play 0.10€ 250€ 96.71% 4.80/5
Baccarat Switch Studios 5€ 10,000€ 98.99% 4.70/5
Slot Microgaming 0.30€ 15€ 96.65% 4.75/5

However, players in the country are also interested in playing the top table games. Gamblers in Kenya often pick some of the most popular variations of roulette. Another beloved game is blackjack since it is a game of chance where you can rely on your skills.

Among the games that Kenyan players love a lot, live dealer games also rank in top positions. This is because they offer the perfect combination of online gameplay and a real casino atmosphere.

Online Casino Bonuses & Promos for Kenyan Players

Given the huge choice of top casino sites, operators have to really shine to attract new players. Whilst the game selection and mobile apps play a big part in deciding where to play, the other key draw is the welcome bonus that is on offer.

You will find that pretty much all Kenyan online casinos for real money offer bonuses to new players. No such offers exist at land-based casinos, so this is a huge advantage of playing real money casino games online.

Below, you will find the best casino bonuses currently available for players in Kenya:

Kenyan Online Casino Welcome Bonus Playthrough No Deposit Bonus Secure Link
Up to 3000€ + 150 Free Spins 40x N/A Claim Bonus!
Up to 35,000 KSH Welcome Bonus 50x N/A Claim Bonus!

Generally speaking, the welcome bonus is a one-time deal. Yet there are some casinos that provide a welcome bonus package deal, which rewards your first 3 or 4 deposits with matched bonus funds.

Either way, once you have benefited from the new player deal, there is nothing to stop you from joining a different casino to claim a new bonus. You simply need to create a new account.

It is for this reason that the best casinos provide a range of promotions and special offers for existing players. Additionally, you can find match deposit bonuses, game-specific bonuses, free spins, tournaments, and even prize draws with luxury prizes.

Keep in mind that the bonus funds extend your bankroll, giving you more playtime and more chances to win exciting rewards. Whilst you may occasionally find a welcome bonus in Kenyan Shilling (KES), in most cases, the bonuses at operators will be advertised in $ or €.

When it comes to identifying the best welcome bonuses at the online casino sites in Kenya, we evaluate not only the amount that is on offer but also how favourable to bonus conditions are.

Most Important Wagering Requirements

We mentioned earlier that we evaluate the terms and conditions that are attached to a welcome bonus to identify the best bonuses at any online casino for Kenyans. It is important that you understand bonus conditions to ensure you use them to your best advantage.

Some bonuses must be claimed within a certain timeframe, some require a promo code, and some are only valid for certain games. Perhaps the most significant is the playthrough requirement.

We advise you to always read the small print when it comes to casino bonuses. That way, you can make sure that you do not jeopardise your chances of withdrawing your winnings. Below, you will find a brief explanation of the main bonus conditions that you need to know about:

Fastest Payouts

In most cases, when you deposit at an online casino, the transaction is processed instantly. However, when it comes to withdrawals, the process is more lengthy. There are several reasons for this.

When you request a withdrawal for the first time, reputable operators will perform a verification check. It is a licensing requirement to prevent money laundering and to protect players from fraud.

Once you have provided a copy of your ID, it should take no more than a couple of days for the casino to authorise your request and process the payment.

The next element that impacts how quickly you receive your winnings is the payment method you use. Using an e-wallet, such as Neteller, is usually the fastest way to get your cash. Whereas cashouts to bank cards can take up to a week.

Live Online Casino Platform

Live casino games bridge the gap between the atmosphere of playing at a real brick-and-mortar casino and playing online. The best online casino sites in Kenya will boast a high-quality live casino platform, with a wide range of live dealer games.

In our opinion, this makes live gaming perfect for fans of table games, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat and poker. When punters play live dealer games it provides a more immersive and engaging experience. If you are yet to play them, it is fair to say that you are missing out.

Live Software:
Evolution
Live Roulette:
25
Live Blackjack:
58
Up to 35,000 KSH Welcome Bonus

You will find live game platforms powered by some of the most renowned developers in the industry, including Playtech, NetEnt and the multi-award-winning Evolution Gaming. Almost all of them have won prestigious rewards thanks to the overall performance of their games.

These software brands also power the games at some of the the best poker sites in Kenya. Therefore, their games are worth checking our as they boast excellent quality and perfect mobile compatibility.

How Real Dealer Games Work

Live casino games are slightly different from the standard RNG table games mainly because they allow you to interact with real croupiers. Everything is streamed in HD quality, and the most important thing is that you can also play with other gamblers.

Rest assured that the recommended Kenyan casino sites that we have specially selected offer a wide variety of real dealer games to choose from. There is plenty of diversity across the board.

Live dealer games are hugely popular, not just with players from Kenya, but across the best online casinos worldwide as well. As such, they have become a must for all online venues.

Casino App Performance on Kenyan Mobile Devices

Most gamblers in the country prefer to play casino games on their mobile phones rather than on a desktop PC. As such, a high-quality casino app is a must to be considered one of the top online casinos in Kenya.

The good news is that top operators have embraced the growing trend for mobile gaming and have invested significantly in the development of mobile casino apps. Thus, they aim at improving the experience of their customers.

Whilst all reputable operators give players the option of playing on the go, some casino apps are far better than others. To identify the best mobile casinos in Kenya, we check for the following factors:

Having used these criteria to test operators, we can reveal the best Kenyan mobile casino app is:

Top Mobile Casino
Up to 35,000 KSH Welcome Bonus
* 18+, New Kenyan Players Only.
🏆 Casino Rating 5.00/5
🥇 Website www.22bet.co.ke
🎁 Bonus $1600
🎲 Games 3000+ Slots, 230+ Table Games
📱 Mobile 3492+ Mobile Games
👩 Live 230+ Live Tables
🎰 Top Slots Game of Thrones, Thunderstruck 2
💻 Software NetEnt, Play’n GO
💳 Payment
VisaNeteller
⚖️ Licence 8048/JAZ
📭 Founded 2017
22bety is the Best Mobile Casino App for Kenyans
Grab Your Bonus! Top bonus for Kenyan players offered by 22bet

There are a few differences between the design and layout to the desktop version and the mobile one. Nowadays, many operators build their casino sites with multi-platform gaming in mind. As such, the best sites are fully mobile responsive, so the user experience flows seamlessly.

The game selection on casino apps will usually be slightly smaller. This is because some older games have not been optimised for mobile gaming. Nevertheless, the most popular games are usually mobile-friendly, so the impact on your playing experience should be minimal.

Customer Service in English

You can assess how reliable a casino online is by checking out how their customer service options shape up. Trusted operators pull out all the stops to ensure that their players have a hassle-free and entertaining experience. A key element of this is providing top-quality customer support.

But what does good customer service look like? Well, for starters, the operator should provide a range of methods to get in touch. Whilst phone support used to be the top choice for players, live chat is now the preferred contact method for both operators and players.

Just as important as the contact methods is the efficiency of the customer service agents. The best casino online sites need to ensure that the support centre can resolve all types of players’ issues in a quick and efficient manner.

Whilst it is highly unlikely to find customer support available in Swahili, rest assured that the best Kenyan online casinos for real money players offer English support, which is, of course, a convenient option.

  • Phone support is widely available at the best casino sites in Kenya. You should check the operating hours, as phone support may not always be available round the clock. You should also check whether the service is free to call from your country.
  • Top casinos for Kenyans offer live chat as standard. It is our preferred method of contacting customer service, thanks to its convenience. This option is usually available 24/7 and provided by English-speaking agents.
  • Email is a useful option for the times when you either do not need an instant response or when you have a detailed and complex query. You should keep in mind that the response times tend to be longer than using live chat or phone support.

Online Casino Deposit & Withdrawal Options for Kenyans

In our opinion, for gamblers in the country who want to play real money casino games, payment options are a significant factor in deciding where to play. Whilst most casinos will allow you to deposit using bank cards such as Visa and MasterCard, these do not meet every player’s needs.

We believe that for making deposits at a Kenyan online casino, M-Pesa is a top choice for many players, which comes as little surprise given the popularity of mobile gaming. Airtel Money, likewise, is a sought-after mobile payment option.

  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • Neteller
  • Skrill
  • Entropay
  • M-Pesa
  • Airtel Money
  • Bitcoin
  • Online Banking

The best operators will also accept deposits with M-Pesa or e-wallets, such as Skrill and Neteller. Whilst PayPal casinos in Kenya are rarely found, these other e-wallets operate in a similar way by providing swift, easy, hassle-free deposits and withdrawals.

This makes them a preferred payment option for many players in the country. We have also recently seen an increase in the number of Bitcoin casinos in Kenya, which, as you can guess, let you play with cryptocurrency instead of legal tender.

Deposits with Neteller

Not every payment method offers the best features. If you need a combination of safety and fast transaction speed, then the recommended payment option at Kenyan casino sites would be Neteller. It provides instant deposits, which are usually fee-free.

Furthermore, it adds an extra layer of security as well as anonymity, which will suit many players. Here, you can see the best Neteller casino for players in Kenya, as well as the quick and easy deposit process.

How to make a deposit via Neteller?

Neteller is one of the leading e-wallets widely used across the best casino sites in Kenya. This is because it offers extremely convenient online money transactions. Here is how you can deposit via this payment method and enjoy the top casino games as soon as possible.

As Kenyans can see, the process of depositing funds with Neteller really is a no-brainer. All you need to do is choose the method, confirm the amount and then the transaction itself by heading over to Neteller’s website.

Up to 35,000 KSH Welcome Bonus
  • Accepts Neteller Payments
  • Licensed and Trusted Site
  • 6000+ Real Money Games

When you play at a legit casino, you can be confident that the banking cashier is safe, enabling you to deposit safely. So, regardless of whether you choose to deposit at an online casino with Neteller, the transaction will be protected using encryption technology.

The Best Online Casino in Kenya with M-Pesa Payments

M-Pesa is among the most preferred and influential payment methods that have taken the country by storm. It could be due to its hybrid nature or its convenience. Nevertheless, it has received widespread acclaim from punters all over the nation, and there are numerous online casinos that accept M-pesa.
If you have an account with it, depositing will be equally quick and effortless as it is with Neteller, which we talked about in the previous paragraph. By following the simple steps, you will deposit funds in no time, and the best aspect of it all is that you can receive withdrawals from it, as well.

Coming Soon
  • Accepts M-Pesa Payments
  • Safe and Secure
  • 90+ Live Casino Games

Among its most undeniable advantages is its nature. What it essentially does is to play the role of an online banking service, for people that don’t even have such, or credit and debit cards. So, it acts as an e-wallet but with the main difference that it is attached to your phone bill account.

It’s as secure and reliable as any other method, and the possibility to place withdrawal requests back to it makes it a true winner for any gambler from a country where the more conventional methods are harder to come by.

Gambling Situation in Kenya

Online gambling in Kenya has never been more popular and is a multi-million dollar business. Gambling contributes significantly to revenue growth in the country, both through taxes and creating jobs.

The research shows that sports betting in Kenya undoubtedly has the dominant share of the industry. However, other forms of gambling, including casino games and lotteries, are also popular with players in the country. The gambling industry is regulated by the Betting Control and Licensing Board.

At the same time, other new trends emerge, and nowadays many people in the country also choose to access the daily fantasy sites too. Some gamblers also prefer to play in online casinos that accept Bitcoins.

The gambling industry in Kenya has been under the spotlight recently, with high-profile changes to gambling taxes being debated by the government. In the following sections, you’ll find more details about gambling in the country.

History of Gambling in Kenya

Kenya has a long history when it comes to gambling, yet it is in recent years that it has become a booming industry. In 1952, the Colonial government formed the Committee on Betting, Gambling and Lotteries.

It would assess the gambling situation and current laws and make recommendations on how to manage it. At this time, gambling was governed under the law of Gambling Ordinance (Chapter 26 Laws of Kenya).

The enforcement of gambling laws in the country was handled by the police force. As part of the committee’s investigation, they recommended that all forms of gambling should be licensed by a central board.

In 1963, the government introduced the Betting Ordinance Tax. They also identified how the government could boost revenue through gambling taxes. The committee’s recommendations finally came into practice with the introduction of gambling laws in 1966.

They legalised all forms of gambling in this country. Under the Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act, the Betting Control and Licensing Board of Kenya was established. The BCLB is a division of the State Department of Co-Ordination in the Ministry of Interior and Co-ordination of National Government.

It is responsible for controlling all gaming and betting operators in the country, promoting gambling, collecting taxes and eradicating illegal gambling. In the early 1990s, the number of casinos in Kenya grew rapidly.

It rose from just 1 in 1969 to around 40 in 2013. It has been suggested that this boom was linked with weak and obsolete legislation that lacked a clear gaming policy.

Fundamental changes to the gambling policy and regulatory framework were introduced by the Constitution of Kenya 2010. However, there has been little in the way of review or reform of the laws to adapt to the ever-expanding and diversifying industry.

Gambling Legislation in Kenya

The next significant event in the history of Kenyan gambling is the huge upsurge in sports betting. The popularity of the English Premier League and the legality of betting saw a huge boost in people participating in sports betting.

This was coupled with the expanding mobile market in Kenya, making betting on football easily accessible to the country’s growing number of mobile phone users. Using mobile payment services like M-Pesa to bet online has added to the convenience of gambling on the go.

The surge in mobile betting was a key factor that led to changes in gambling taxes. Concerns were raised regarding the increasing numbers of young people that were betting, and the government increased taxes in part to deter the rise of problem gambling.

In the summer of 2017, a bill was passed into law by President Kenyatta. It would apply a uniform rate of tax of 35% on the revenue from all types of gambling.

This was a steep increase, with previous tax rates of 7.5% for betting, 5% for lotteries and 12% for gaming. A 50% tax was requested by the Treasury Secretary as a means to further protect Kenyans, yet the 35% rate was maintained by the government.

The increased betting taxes coupled with a 30% corporate tax and 25% mandatory contribution to good causes was criticised by gambling operators. It led to the Pambazuka National Lottery going out of business.

Leading sport betting operators in the country went on to withdraw a significant amount of money for local sports betting sponsorships. All this factors also lead to changes related to the rregulation of lottery sites in Kenya since they are also popular among gamblers.

Gambling taxes in Kenya remain a debated issue throughout the years. In September 2018, president Kenyatta rejected Finance Bill 2018, proposing the gambling tax rate be cut from 35% to 15%.

This move has been seen as controversial by some. The new proposals would add a 20% tax on all winnings. This would, in turn, continue to generate revenue for the economy, whilst deterring problem gambling.

Land-Based Casinos in Kenya

Whilst the popularity of playing real money online casino games is booming in Kenya, this has not detracted from the solid land-based casino industry. The country boasts some world-class casino resorts that make up a fundamental part of the country’s tourism trade.

Many Kenyan casinos are established as part of resorts, appealing to international travellers to the country. It is no coincidence that they are located close to airports and in popular tourist hotspots.

As such, you will find clusters of casino resorts in Mombasa and nearby beach towns, as well as in the capital city, Nairobi. Golden Key Casino is rated as one of the best casinos in Mombasa.

It is one of the most elegant casinos in Kenya that one can visit and provides stunning views of Mombasa’s old town. The stylish and glamorous décor creates a sophisticated gaming environment.

The Mayfair Group has a strong presence in Eastern Africa and operates three casinos in Kenya. The Mayfair Casino & Club Nairobi is the flagship of the casino brand and was opened in 1994.

It is situated in the up-market Westlands area, close by to the best shopping malls in the city. The casino provides an exquisite atmosphere, with beautiful, traditional African style murals filling the walls.

Casino Flamingo brands itself as Nairobi’s friendliest casino, with exceptional customer service. It is operated by the international Senator Group. The casino has an elegant interior with crystal chandeliers adorning the ceiling.

Best Land-Based Casinos in Kenya
Golden Key Casino is a Popular Casino in MombasaGolden Key CasinoGolden Key Casino boasts a wide selection of slot machines. You can also play table games such as blackjack, roulette and 3 Card Poker with professional and friendly dealers. Mayfair Casino Nairobi Mayfair Casino Nairobi The elegant Mayfair Casino offers around 60 slot machines, along with six card tables and six roulette tables. The casino also features a salon privé with exclusive, high stakes roulette and card tables. Casino Flamingo in KenyaCasino Flamingo160 slot machines are featured at Nairobi’s Casino Flamingo. You can also play roulette, blackjack, Texas Hold’em, Mini Punto Banco and other fun card games in the stylish and welcoming casino.

Famous Kenyan Gamblers

Gambling in this country has been popular for a long time, and many people from the country love to play on the go, too. However, unlike in other countries where gambling has also been known for decades, in Kenya, there aren’t many popular gamblers.

And maybe this is because the whole industry was not so well-regulated before the latest major law amendment, and people did not have the chance to be involved in too many legal gambling activities often.

Nevertheless, today, many people from the country are interestd in gambling and choose to enjoy the top games. And maybe someday we will see the name of a Kenyan gambler in the lists of popular players.

More Guides for Online Casino Gambling

There are plenty of licensed and safe casino sites in Kenya. As well as ensuring your safety, in our opinion, the best operators manage to offer a rich selection of fair real-money games, high-quality mobile apps and generous bonus opportunities.

We have thoroughly tested operators on the market to make the list of the best online casinos in Kenya. This guide was prepared in alignment with other expert members of the team.

So, if you are keen to start playing real money games online, then you’d better check out what the top operators have to offer and find the right one for you. We find that they are capable of providing excellent services.

Popular Questions About Gambling in Kenya

We will gladly resolve all of your doubts, by answering some of the more frequent questions about the most popular Kenyan online casinos. Meanwhile, if you have a specific technical question, please turn to your chosen operator’s customer support team.

Which are the best online casinos in Kenya?

The best operators in the country would typically depend on each player's personal preferences. Yet, to ease your choice, we have selected the best casino sites in Kenya that you can currently choose from. They offer excellent security conditions, plenty of games, and outstanding performance.

Can I claim bonuses at the Kenyan online casinos?

It is relatively easy to play at any online casnio in Kenya. All you must do is register and wait for the verification of your account. You should then transfer your first deposit and claim the attractive welcome bonuses. Once the funds reach your casino account, you will be able to play any of the available games.

Are online casinos safe to use?

To be sure you are playing at a safe online casino sites in Kenya, you have to check their licensing, certification and responsible gambling policy. If all these three check out, then you are in good hands. The licence will prove that the casino is regulated and RNG certificates will stand for the fairness of the results.

Is online gambling in Kenya legal?

Yes, all forms of gambling are currently legal and regulated by the Betting Control and Licensing Board. Still, you can find the best online casinos in Kenya and enjoy legal gambling activities for real money. Nevertheless, players are welcomed by many other offshore operators too.

Are the online casino sites in Kenya mobile-friendly?

Yes, most of the operators are optimised for Android and iOS devices and the topmobile friendly casino sites in Kenya can be easily accessed on the go. The recommended operators offer functional web and native apps, suitable for all operating systems.

Which online casino in Kenya has the best payouts?

Actually, all of the top Kenyan online casinos in our recommended list have pretty high payouts. If we have to name a single operator, it wouldn't be that easy, because all the operators that we have outlined boast excllent performance. Some even offer above-the-industry-standard payout rates at about 98.16%.

Is there a safe online casino in Kenya with M-Pesa payments?

M-Pesa has become an absolute favourite payment method for players in the country and most of the best casino sites in Kenya that offer it as an option to local gamblers. It's very easy to use it and with a few simple steps, you will have your casino account loaded with Kenyan Shillings in no time.

References & Useful Links

Affiliate Disclosure
The main focus of Bestcasinosites.net is to provide you with objective online casino reviews and guides. To sponsor our model, we include affiliate links in our content. If you register through such a link, we will receive a small commission at the cost of the casino; this does not affect the terms of your own deal. We do not compromise on the quality of our service and list only licensed operators that have been checked and tested based on our methodology.
Advertiser Disclosure
This independent comparison website helps consumers choose the best available gambling product matching their needs. We offer a high-quality advertising service by featuring only established brands of licensed operators in our reviews. Please note that although we endeavour to provide you with up-to-date information, we do not compare all operators on the market.