KENYA'S GAMBLING SELF-EXCLUSION PROGRAM REACHES ONLY 0.25% OF REGULAR GAMBLERS

Executive Summary

Kenya's gambling industry has experienced significant growth, accompanied by concerning rates of problem gambling, particularly among young adults. The government's self-exclusion program, while an important step forward, has shown limited effectiveness with only 0.25% of regular gamblers enrolled. Key challenges include low awareness, weak enforcement, and technological barriers. This report analyzes the current state of these programs and provides actionable recommendations for improvement based on recent data and research.

Introduction and Background

Gambling has become deeply embedded in Kenya's economy and social fabric, with 76% of Kenyans aged 17-35 participating in gambling activities. The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) oversees the self-exclusion program, which allows individuals to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling services for periods ranging from six months to five years. This program was implemented as part of broader regulatory efforts to protect vulnerable individuals from gambling-related harm.

 Data and Analysis

Gambling Prevalence and Impact

• 2 million Kenyans are regular gamblers
• Annual gambling expenditure: KES 200 billion (USD 1.7 billion)
• Average monthly gambling spends: KES 3,000 (USD 25) per person

Problem Gambling Statistics

• 54% of gamblers show signs of problem gambling
• 60% of problem gamblers are aged 18-35
• 40% have taken loans to fund gambling habits
• 25% use basic needs money for gambling
• 35% report gambling-related depression or anxiety

Self-Exclusion Program Performance

• 5,000 total enrollments since program inception
• Less than 20% of gamblers aware of the program
• 30% of operators non-compliant with regulations
• Only 10% of enrolled individuals receive follow-up support

Key Findings

• Limited Reach: The current self-exclusion program reaches only a fraction of problem gamblers, with enrollment rates significantly lower than the prevalence of problem gambling.
• Enforcement Challenges: Poor operator compliance and limited resources for monitoring undermine program effectiveness.
• Accessibility Barriers: The program's reliance on online platforms excludes individuals without internet access or technical literacy.
• Support Gap: Insufficient follow-up support and counseling services reduce the program's long-term effectiveness.
• Youth Vulnerability: The high prevalence of gambling among young adults (76% of 17-35 age group) suggests a need for targeted intervention strategies.

Recommendations

Enhance Program Accessibility

• Implement multiple registration channels including physical locations and mobile apps
• Establish toll-free hotlines for program enrollment and support
• Create user-friendly interfaces in multiple local languages

Strengthen Enforcement

• Increase monitoring capacity through technological solutions
• Implement stricter penalties for non-compliant operators
• Conduct regular compliance audits

Expand Support Services

• Establish a network of counseling and support services
• Provide financial advisory services
• Create peer support groups for program participants

Launch Public Awareness Campaign

• Partner with media outlets and community organizations
• Target young adults through social media and educational institutions
• Address stigma through public education initiatives

Improve Data Collection and Research

• Implement systematic monitoring and evaluation
• Conduct longitudinal studies of program effectiveness
• Generate regular reports on program outcomes

References

• GeoPoll Survey on Gambling in Kenya (2020)
• University of Nairobi Study on Youth Gambling (2021)
• Ministry of Health Report on Mental Health and Gambling (2021)
• Mobile money supercharged Kenya's sports betting addiction