Are online casinos legal in Kenya?
We’re pleased to report that the online gaming industry is alive and well in Kenya, with a flourishing web casino market that’s among the largest in Africa by size and customer base. Online casinos in Kenya are fully legal under the country’s current gambling regulations, which have been in place since 1966.
Great news for players looking to get started with an online casino in Kenya, then. But there is the potential for some imminent rule changes which could affect how people access online casinos in the country, including the Proposed New Gambling Act 2020.
What is Kenya’s Proposed New Gambling Act of 2020?
Although this hasn’t yet passed into law (and may never), the proposal puts forward a few key legislative changes that Kenyan casino players may like to keep an eye on. For instance, the law proposes new taxes for jackpot winnings, as well as higher fees for casino operators looking to procure a gambling license in Kenya.
It’s worth adding, though, that it’s been four years since the new gambling act was first put forward, and it’s still not been officially agreed on. As such, it’s unlikely to affect how you access your favorite Kenyan casinos in the short term.
Get to know online casinos in Kenya with our quickfire FAQs
Before we get to our list of the best online casinos in Kenya, our experts have answered some common questions that should help you get the lay of the land on how Kenyan casinos work and what they can offer.
Can you play at real money casinos in Kenya?
Sure you can! Kenyan authorities permit all types of online casinos, so long as they are licensed and regulated by the country’s Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB).
The BCLB was set up way back in 1966 as part of Kenya’s new Betting, Lotteries, and Gaming Act. It issues new licenses to both native and overseas online betting sites, helping to protect customers from unscrupulous operators.
Real money online casinos are among the most popular platforms for Kenyan gamers, particularly for younger players. Indeed, Kenyans spend more money on legal real money casinos than almost any other African nation, with the exceptions being Nigeria and South Africa.
What is the legal age to access online casino games in Kenya?
While Kenya does have some reasonably flexible gambling laws, the country follows much of the rest of the world in enforcing an 18+ legal age limit for anyone wishing to sign up and play on an online casino. And as part of the BCLB’s licensing regulations, any casino wishing to operate in Kenya must prove that they have measures in place to verify user ages.
Can you play online slots in Kenya?
Slots are among the most popular casino games for Kenyan players, with an easy point of entry for those new to online casino play. Three and five-reel slot games are the go-to titles for most gamers, while progressive jackpot slots like
Mega Fortune
and
Jackpot Giant
are also very popular in Kenya, giving you the chance to win some impressive prize pots.
What other games can you play at online casinos in Kenya?
Our researchers found no shortage of titles when exploring the different game modes at Kenya’s
best online casinos. While slots reign supreme, players can try their luck at the tables too. Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in Kenya, while roulette and poker are also well up there. We were impressed to find plenty of live dealer games too, which promise to bring an extra layer of Vegas-style fun to proceedings.
What are the best casino apps in Kenya?
Kenyans have very much embraced mobile casino action, so we were happy to find lots of casino operators offering smartphone apps as part of their broader customer offering. The country’s best mobile casino apps tend to be those introduced by big-name overseas operators, with the likes of Bet365 bringing an all-singing, all-dancing mobile app to the party. Of course, not all casinos offer mobile apps, and that shouldn’t deter you from signing up for them if you like some of the other perks and features they offer.
Can I play on social casinos in Kenya?
If you’re not looking to spend like a high roller in a Kenyan casino, there are plenty of social casino options where you can play your favorite slot and table games for free. These platforms require no deposit to sign up and use virtual tokens rather than real money to facilitate casino play. One such site is Stake.com and right now, you can use our exclusive code to get a great welcome bonus on the site.
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As a casino player in Kenya, you can take your pick from a variety of promotions and bonuses for both new and returning customers. There are tons of promos to take advantage of across the list of the best casinos in Kenya, including:
- Welcome bonuses
- Deposit bonuses and cashback
- Free spins and other casino bonus goes
- Tiered loyalty programs
- Promo codes
- Exclusive social media deals
What currencies can I use on Kenya’s online casino sites?
That all depends on which operator you choose. Homegrown Kenyan casinos will, of course, support all native currencies, but if you’re signing up with a casino platform from overseas, your options may be more limited. With that said, major casino operators tend to do a great job of offering multiple currencies, so it’s worth exploring what’s available and the types of transaction fees and payout times you can expect.
Essential tips for finding the best online casinos in Kenya
Ready to get started playing your casino favorites? First up, you need to find an online casino that offers what you’re looking for – no mean feat when there are so many options available.
To make things a little simpler, our web casino specialists have gathered some need-to-know tips for choosing a casino in Kenya.
First and foremost, check that the casino operator is licensed by the BCLB. Most legit online casinos in Kenya will display their credentials at the bottom of every page on their site, or else on a standalone licensing page. Either way, it’s essential that you find this before proceeding with a particular operator – even if their welcome bonus is an eye-catcher.
What games do they offer?
Whatever your favorite games are, look for operators with a good selection of slots and table titles, as well as additional features like live video poker. Game selection can have a big impact on your overall enjoyment of a casino, and our research found that some operators definitely offer a lot more games than others in Kenya.
Read operator-specific T&Cs
We get it, no one likes trawling through the small print, but it’s something you simply can’t avoid when playing online casino games. Before signing up with a casino in Kenya, you need to know where you stand as a customer – and that’s what the T&Cs can give you. Look for limits, restrictions, and playthrough requirements that could affect how you play and how much you stake. Getting acquainted with key terms will make you a better player, and provide a greater chance of success.
Player safety and security provisions
While it’s great to see the BCLB regulating casinos in Kenya, you should still be vigilant and choose operators with above-par security provisions in place. For instance, we would recommend online casinos with SSE encryption as a minimum, as well as two-factor authentication if you can find it. The good news is that Kenya’s online casinos are governed by the Data Protection Act 2019, which enforces restrictions on the information betting sites can collect and store about their customers.
If you have a question while playing online casino games in Kenya, you’ll want it answered as quickly and efficiently as possible. So, compare the different levels of support offered by your preferred operators. Can they provide facilities like live chat or 24/7 support? If not, can you at least get help in your native language? Happily, as of 2019, all global casino operators who receive a license from the BCLB must offer a customer support center in Kenya – excellent news for players looking to access big-name casino brands in the country.
Our pick of the best online casinos in Kenya
Right then, to the reason you’re here. Our experts have handpicked a few of the best casino sites you can legally access in Kenya, focusing primarily on overseas operators that offer big bonuses, awesome game selections, and high-performance casino apps and platforms.
Bet365
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re bound to know about Bet365. As one of the world’s best-established online casinos and sportsbooks, this giant of the industry is a top choice for Kenyan players, delivering a premium casino experience that’s hard to beat. After all, with a global player base of over 53 million people, the operator must be doing something right.
What do we like about Bet365?
That’s easy – a lot! From its classy range of slots that come courtesy of developers like NetEnt, Playtech, and WMS, to its superb range of online payment methods and generous new player bonus, Bet365 delivers an all-around casino experience that is a cut above anything Kenya’s native casinos can offer.
What could Bet365 improve for casino players in Kenya?
As for Bet365’s downsides, the operator doesn’t offer quite as many games as others of its size, so if game selection is important to you, this could prove a dealbreaker. There are also a limited number of bonuses to redeem as a returning player, though the size of the welcome bonus does make up for this.
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Betfred
Betfred is next up on our list of the best online casinos in Kenya, and for good reason. Like Bet365, this is a well-established gambling powerhouse, with a huge global following amassed over two decades in the industry. Expect an awesome selection of slots, table games, and live video poker rooms, as well as 24/7 customer support, irresistible promotions, and top-tier performance.
What do we like about Betfred?
New Betfred customers signing up in Kenya can receive a competitive welcome bonus as well as auto-enrolment into the operator’s fantastic VIP Program, which lets you claim bigger jackpots the more you play. Betfred’s choice of payment methods is solid too, while the site’s games library offers near-countless slots, jackpot games, and live casino betting opportunities.
What could Betfred improve for casino players in Kenya?
One thing we did notice when testing Betfred’s casino offering in Kenya is that withdrawing winnings takes a minimum of 48 hours, which, although about average, is a little slower than comparable operators. As such, if fast cash-outs come top of your Kenyan online casino wishlist, you may wish to consider alternatives.
PokerStars
Sure, PokerStars places a special emphasis on – you guessed it – poker, but it delivers a top-notch casino experience alongside. That includes a huge selection of slots and table games, as well as other live casino games like blackjack. And, like Bet365 and Betfred, PokerStars has real clout within the global gambling industry, which does bring peace of mind that you’re playing with a reputable and trustworthy operator.
What do we like about PokerStars?
Registering for PokerStars in Kenya entitles you to an eye-catching first deposit bonus, as well as plenty of other promos for returning customers – for instance, the ‘Spin of the Day’ feature is a nice incentive for daily play. Elsewhere, there are literally tons of payment options to choose from, while we think you’ll appreciate the graphics and performance of exclusive slot titles like
Book of the Dead, Big Bass Bonanza,
and
Dragon’s Cache.
What could PokerStars improve for casino players in Kenya?
PokerStars may offer a nice welcome bonus, but be aware of its playthrough requirements, read the T&Cs carefully, and only bet what you can afford. Another slight niggle we had concerned the PokerStars mobile app; it just can’t match the number of games available on comparable smartphone applications.
Conclusion – Final notes on the best online casinos in Kenya
Kenya is known as “the cradle of humanity” and while we can’t vouch for that, we can say with confidence that the country has some excellent and fully legal online casinos for players to enjoy. Authorities here are doing an excellent job of regulating the online casino industry as a whole, ensuring it's an open and competitive space for new and returning customers alike.
With that said, there are some things to be mindful of when signing up for online casinos in Kenya. For one, make sure the operator you choose, whether native or otherwise, is licensed by the BCLB. Don’t be afraid to compare welcome bonuses and cash-out times, too, as its things like this that dictate your enjoyment of a particular platform.
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Online casinos Kenya FAQ
🤔 Are real money casinos legal in Kenya?
Kenyans are no strangers to gambling, with a well-regulated betting industry existing in the country since the 1960s. So, it is possible to win real money in the country’s online casinos? And, more importantly, is it legal? Find out with our in-depth guide to real money casino play in Kenya.
🎰 What games can I play at online casinos in Kenya?
Kenya has plenty of homegrown online casinos, as well as the addition of big-name operators from overseas. So, that means there are lots of casino games that you can legally play in the country, right? Find out which casino titles you can play in Kenya in our no-nonsense guide.
Some of the world’s biggest and best online casinos incentivize sign-ups and daily play by offering bonuses and promos to new and returning customers. But can you take advantage of these types of deals in Kenya? Our Kenyan casino guide has all the help you need.
🏆 What are the best casinos to sign up for in Kenya?
Kenya has an almost daunting number of top-notch casinos that are legal and legit according to local authorities. So, how do you choose which one to play at? Happily, our experts at The Game Haus are here with a few suggestions.
