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RegulatoryEffective 1 July 2025Updated 15 June 2026

GRA replaces BCLB: Kenya's new gambling regulator fully operational in 2026

The Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA), established under the Gambling Control Act 2025, replaced the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) on 1 July 2025. By mid-2026 the licensing transition is complete and operators are fully under GRA supervision.

What changed

  • The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) was dissolved under the Gambling Control Act 2025.
  • The Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) took over all licensing, supervision, and enforcement functions.
  • New GRA licence numbers replaced legacy BCLB licence numbers; operators are required to display the new GRA number on their site footer and marketing.
  • Responsible gambling rules were strengthened: server-side deposit limits, mandatory 24 to 72 hour cooling-off on limit raises, and a national problem-gambling helpline (0800 222 333).
  • Cross-border-illegal operators (those without a GRA licence) are now subject to ISP blocking and M-PESA paybill suspension.

Why it matters

For ordinary punters the practical day-to-day experience is similar; the operators are the same and the deposit/withdrawal flows have not changed. The real differences are stronger consumer protections: server-side limits, mandatory cooling-off, and a national helpline. The operator-side compliance load is heavier (AML, KYC, advertising standards), which is part of why some smaller operators have exited Kenya since 2024.

What to do

  • Set a Responsible Gaming deposit limit in your operator account. All GRA-licensed operators must offer this under the new rules.
  • If you are concerned about your or someone else's gambling, the GRA-mandated helpline is 0800 222 333 (free, 24/7).
  • Verify the operator you use shows a GRA licence number on their site footer. If it shows only a BCLB number, the operator has not completed transition and may be operating in violation.

Sources

Published 15 June 2026 on paybillke. Last verified 15 June 2026. We refresh news entries quarterly and within 48 hours of any directly relevant ecosystem change. Editorial process.