Online Casino Kenya – A Gambling Guide for Kenyan Casino Players
Gambling and sports betting in Kenya are totally legal activities in both online and live gaming and sports. As one of the first African nations to legalise the practice, more than half a century ago, Kenya is a hotbed of action. It is home to over 45million residents, geographically located near the equator and has one of the most advanced African economies.
On this page you’ll find out:
- How to find the best Kenyan casinos to play at
- The legality of land-based and online gambling in Kenya
- How much tax you will pay on gambling winnings in Kenya
- The best bonuses, promotions and payment methods at Kenyan casinos
- And we’ll tackle the most common FAQs about Kenyan online gaming.
Finding an Online Casino Kenya by reading our Reviews
As betting sites and casinos are not banned in Kenya, players have a wealth of choice when it comes down to picking where to play. This includes most international casinos where excellent bonuses and promotions can be found.
If you’re looking for an online casino in Kenya, then the best place to start is by reading our Casino Reviews. We’ve selected the best sites out there, that outshine their competitors and offer you a better deal! Sadly, not all casino sites are created equally so it’s important to get an expert view on the best places to play and make sure you miss out on the mediocre.
We assess online casinos in terms of their all-round offering, holding them up to the highest standards and give you all the need to know info before you sign up! Including an overview of the games lobby and software, mobile availability, full safety and licensing check-up and a thorough look at the deals you can get at the site. Take a look and see where you can play now!
The Legality of Online and Land-based Casinos in Kenya
Gambling legislation in Kenya dates back to 1966 when the Betting Lotteries and Gaming Act was established. It made all forms of gambling in Kenya legal, as long as the provider is licensed and eCOGRA certified. The 1966 Act also established the Betting Control and Licensing Board, who are responsible for granting gaming licenses and enforcing regulations. As a licensing condition, Kenyan Casinos must conduct monthly eCOGRA auditing, which guarantees fair gaming and is a nice touch for building confidence with players.
As online gambling is becoming ever popular in Kenya a new Gaming Bill is due to come into force this year, which will shake things up slightly. The main difference will be a new minimum bet threshold (to dissuade those on low budgets from gambling) and higher tax rates, but all forms of gambling are set to remain legal.
Kenya is currently home to 30 land-based casinos (21 of which are in Nairobi), 11 Bingo halls, 3 Sportsbook and 1 horse racing track. In terms of live gambling, the industry is booming and hosts some of the finest casino resorts in the world such as Golden Key and Mayfair Casino. When it comes down to other forms of gambling (like the lottery, Bingo and online sports) the Kenyan government effectively holds a monopoly. Offering their own services and stopping homegrown competition with high tax rates and the restriction of licenses. However, Kenyan players are not penalized in the law for using offshore international gambling services, which means you can pick and play at any online casino Kenya.
Gambling Taxes in Kenya
Kenya has high gambling taxes. For players, this is 20% on all gambling winnings and bets (this has seen the recent withdrawal of betting sites like SportsPesa from the Kenyan market). The 2020 Kenyan Gambling Act is set to increase license costs for operators further with a new betting tax of 35% on all advertisements (this is a steep increase of the previous rates of 7.5% of betting and 12% for gaming). The increase is twinned with a 30% corporate tax and a mandatory contribution to good causes. All in all, when it’s added up, it’s easy to see why the government has held a monopoly on gambling services for so long as this is not a competitive environment for operators.
Playing at an Offshore Casino
With a current State monopoly on most Kenyan online betting and lotteries, it is better for operators to conduct their business offshore and to accept Kenyan players than to make a base in the country. The government allows such sites to operate and for players to join, meaning Kenyan players get to pick from the best international online casinos and deals online.
All of the Kenyan casino sites recommended here have a fantastic collection of online casino games, the best bonuses, top-notch live dealer tables and a range of betting limits to suit all players. This makes for a solid gaming experience so make sure to pick a CasinoTop10 recommended platform for the best online Kenya gaming.
Popular Games at any Online Casino Kenya
As gambling has been popular and legal for over half a century in Kenya, the range of casino games enjoyed by citizens is vast and includes:
- Slots
- Poker
- Blackjack
- Craps
- Keno
- Live Dealer Games
- Roulette
- Baccarat
- Bingo
- and Sic Bo
The most played casino games are online Roulette, Blackjack online and Poker. Top Kenyan casinos will feature hundreds of top-notch games, from world-class software providers. Look out for classic 3-reel Slots, to video slots and mind-blowing progressives as well as classic casino tables in many variants. Poker is much-loved and you’ll find plenty of live, table and video variants to play. If you’re particularly interested in tournaments play at a Microgaming casino as they are part of the MPN network.
Software at Kenyan Casinos
The software used at online casinos in Kenya is safe, fair and audited by eCOGRA, monthly. You’ll find games from world-class, industry-leading software providers like NetEnt, Microgaming, BTG, IGT, Scientific Gaming, Yggdrasil and so many more. Choice is the spice of life and the gaming lobby is what makes or breaks an online casino. As we only recommend the best, every site listed on this page has the latest titles and games content from the best software. What’s more, you can play from a range of devices and there are often lower bandwidth games on offer for mobile players at Kenyan casinos.
Bonuses and Promotions at Casinos in Kenya
As online Kenyan players can pick from their choice of online casinos, there’s a massive range of stellar bonuses and promotions to take advantage of. The most epic of which is the generous welcome deal. All of the online casinos in Kenya recommended by us come with blow-you-away welcome offers covering both no deposit and matched deposit offer so there’s something to suit every budget!
Bonus deals and promotions increase your bankroll by offering to match it or give you something for free like Slot Spins and Bingo tickets. The welcome offer is often the biggest and can be spread across multiple first deposits, offering sometimes hundreds in free casino credits. But, they come with strict conditions that tie you to the casino so make sure you’ve read the terms and conditions before opting for a matched deposit deal or check our online casino reviews as we cover all this and more!
Players who want a welcome offer that’s a little more friendly can check out our top no deposit casinos. These all offer an introductory deal that gives you free account credits to sign up or free spins and you won’t need to spend a penny. Aside from welcome offers, all our recommended Kenyan platforms offering an awesome range of current promotions, loyalty schemes and competitions to get involved in that make playing with them highly exciting!
Payment Options for Kenyan Customers
The local currency in Kenya is the shilling, online payments are supported by a good range of payment providers as gambling is legal in Kenya. This means you can bank with Visa, Mastercard, e-wallets and prepaid systems at online casinos in Kenya. If the casino you want to play at doesn’t have your currency, use our casino reviews to find a better option or consider paying the small fee charged for currency conversion.
Kenya Casinos Online FAQs
-
Is gambling legal in Kenya?
-
Yes, all forms of gambling are legal in Kenya. However, the government maintains strong control of the market, providing their own state-run options so many players opt to use an offshore online casino.
-
What is the legal age to gamble in Kenya?
-
You must be 18+ to gamble in Kenya. All online casinos and land-based operations must check the ID of players to ensure they are over 18+.
-
Can I play for real money?
-
Yes. Whether you want to play online or at a land-based casino, cash is the currency of choice. Simply load up your account, collect your chips and start playing.
-
How do I register to play at an online casino for Kenyan players?
-
To sign up for a casino account first pick a casino listed on this page. Click ‘join now’ and complete the registration process. As you’ve used a link from our page you’ll be able to claim the exclusive welcome deal advertised in our review.
-
What is the best online casino in Kenya?
-
Check out our top list of online casinos in Kenya at the top of this page to find your perfect platform. Don’t forget to compare the welcome offers and pick a site which offers something suitable for your budget and playing tastes.
-
Are online casinos for Kenya mobile-friendly?
-
Yes! As online players will be using an international casino you’ll have access to the latest mobile sites. They offer seamless quality and 24/7 mobile action. You can also claim exclusive mobile bonuses and deals. To play via your smartphone or tablet simply open your browser and enter the casino website.
-
Can I play in Kenyan Shillings?
-
Yes, you can find online casinos offering services in this currency. However, you can also opt to bank in EUR, USD OR GBP and pay a small fee for the conversion.
-
Are Kenyan players eligible for casino bonuses online?
-
Yes, Kenyan players can claim casino bonuses. Be sure to check the terms and conditions for wagering requirements and withdrawal rules of time limits attached to the bonus.
Play at an Online Casino Kenya Today!
When it comes down to online gaming and gambling; Kenyan players are spoilt for choice. You’ve got the cream of the crop from international online casinos. Although, you will have to pay high taxes on your winnings inline with government gambling regulation.
In comparison to other areas of the world, Kenya’s gambling laws are positive, allowing for play, but a State monopoly on some forms of gambling does restrict the market from flourishing internally. Well-known and famous casino brands have a presence in Kenya and land-based casinos are thriving, whilst all forms of play are facilitated under a strict regulatory environment making it safe for players to gamble. Ready to grab yourself a fantastic bonus and sign up to an online casino Kenya? Let’s play!