Unlike the situation in many other countries such as South Africa, the laws concerning gambling in Kenya are much more clear cut. The government has as its aims both the regulation and the promotion of gaming in licensed operations as a legitimate leisure pursuit, rather than a vice. To this end, the Betting Control and Licensing Board was launched by the Kenyan Parliament as far back as 1966.
The majority of casinos in Kenya are established as part of destination resorts, suitable for both international vacationers and business conference attendees, with all the modern conveniences in the midst of breathtaking natural surroundings. The casinos play a supporting role in a full package of entertainment facilities for the adventurous in spirit, who often set out on an African safari to see Kenya’s huge array of exotic animals by day, and then enjoy world class gaming by night.
Size of Industry
After some difficult times, the Kenyan government is working hard to ensure the safety of visitors and to develop the tourism industry, for both leisure travel and business conventions. Tourism is the number one source of foreign exchange in Kenya, overtaking agriculture, and is recognized as an important provider of employment to the Kenyan population.
There are approximately 15 land based casinos in Kenya, which employ hundreds of staff and play an important role in attracting tourists to this developing country. The government is seeking to increase the number of licensed casino operations.
Licensing
Gaming in government licensed casinos is perfectly legal in Kenya. The Kenyan Betting Control and Licensing Board is in charge of licensing and regulating all casinos, both land based and online. (Mobile gaming is particularly popular in this country.) By stamping out the illegal operations, they plan to make gambling an acceptable and pleasant pastime.
Types of Casinos
There are two types of land based casinos in Kenya: stand alone operations and those that are integrated into a resort hotel complex. Because both types rely heavily on foreign visitors to make up their clientele, the stand alone casinos tend to be located near airports (of which Kenya has two) and other convenient areas for tourists, such Malindi, an ocean front town 10 minutes from Malindi Airport.
Casinos that form a part of resort complexes are concentrated mainly in 2 regions: Mombasa and other nearby beach towns on the balmy Indian Ocean, and Nairobi, Kenya’s lively capital city, which is located inland, in the center of the country.
All Kenyan casinos feature friendly service and the standard favorite casino games. Slot machines and table games (roulette, blackjack, poker and more) are available, generally accompanied by bar and food service, sometimes quite lavish, for the convenience of the players.
