Kenya to track gambling transactions in real time amid $220M revenue surge
Kenya's gambling regulator is building a real-time tracking platform to monitor transactions and boost tax revenue.Summary
Kenya's Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) is developing a central platform to provide regulators with direct, real-time access to transactions from all licensed betting companies, casinos, and lottery operators. This initiative, unveiled by Director-General Peter Karimi at the Gaming Tech Summit Africa in Nairobi, aims to replace the previous method of self-reported figures and eliminate reporting delays. The move comes as Kenya's gambling tax revenue surges, growing 12% to KES 28.45 billion by April 2026, with projections reaching nearly KES 40 billion. This increase follows 2026 reforms that shifted the betting tax from winnings to deposits and withdrawals. The real-time system will not only enhance tax enforcement by making underreporting difficult but also allow the GRA to collaborate with other agencies to identify suspicious financial activities and money laundering. The GRA took over responsibilities from the Betting Control and Licensing Board earlier this year under the Gambling Control Act of 2025. While no implementation timeline has been announced, the integration of licensed operators' systems will be a core requirement once the framework is operational.
(Source：Technext24)