Gambling law in Kenya
| Point | Status |
|---|---|
| Main law | Gambling Control Act, 2025 (replaced the Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act) |
| Regulator | Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA), successor of the BCLB |
| Online licences | Separate licences for online bookmakers, casinos and lotteries |
| Unlicensed operation | A criminal offence under the Act |
| Licence display | Online operators must show their licence on the platform |
The Act came into force in August 2025, and the GRA took over from the BCLB in 2026. It focuses on consumer protection, addiction prevention and oversight of online games, including crash games.
How to check a licence
- Scroll to the footer of the operator's website and look for a Kenyan licence number.
- Compare it with the public register of licensed operators published by the regulator.
- Be careful with sites that show only an international licence: under Kenyan law, a local licence is required to offer gambling in Kenya.
Registration for Kenyan players
- Open the official website and press Registration — see our 1win registration guide.
- Use your Kenyan phone number.
- Choose KES as the account currency if available.
- Enter promo code NEWX2.
- Use your real name — it must match your ID and M-Pesa account.
Payments in Kenya
| Method | Notes |
|---|---|
| M-Pesa | The most widely used mobile money service in Kenya |
| Airtel Money | Alternative mobile wallet |
| Bank cards | Some banks restrict gambling transactions |
| Crypto | Available on international platforms; conversion rates apply |
Use payment accounts registered in your own name, and keep transaction codes from M-Pesa messages — support asks for them when tracing a payment. General rules for deposits and withdrawals are in the 1win payments guide.
Popular sports for Kenyan bettors
- Football: English Premier League, Kenyan Premier League, Champions League and international tournaments.
- Rugby and athletics: Kenya Sevens and major athletics events.
- Basketball, tennis and esports: available pre-match and live.
How bet types and live betting work is explained on the 1win betting page.
Time zone and match times
Kenya uses East Africa Time (UTC+3). European evening matches usually start between 18:00 and 23:00 Nairobi time, while some international events run late at night — set reminders in the app instead of betting tired.
Mobile app
Most Kenyan players use phones. Android users install the 1win APK from the official website; iPhone users add the web app via Safari. The app uses less data than the full mobile site and keeps you logged in.
Bonus with code NEWX2
The welcome offer doubles your first deposit and adds 70 free spins. Wagering and limits follow the promotion rules on the website. Details are on the 1win promo code page.
Responsible gambling in Kenya
The new law puts strong emphasis on addiction prevention. Set deposit limits in your account, never bet money meant for rent, school fees or food, and use self-exclusion if betting stops being entertainment.
FAQ
Is 1win legal in Kenya?
Online gambling in Kenya is legal only with a licence from the Gambling Regulatory Authority. Licensed operators must display their licence on the platform, so check the 1win website footer and the regulator's public list before depositing.
Can I deposit on 1win with M-Pesa?
Mobile money is the most common payment method in Kenya. Check the cashier: available methods depend on the operator's set-up for your country.
Which currency should I choose for a 1win account in Kenya?
Choose Kenyan shillings (KES) if available, so that M-Pesa deposits and withdrawals are not converted.
Are taxes charged on betting in Kenya?
Yes. Kenya applies excise duty on betting stakes and tax on winnings. Rates are set by the government and can change, so check the current rules.