Nairobi introduces new casino licence fees

Nairobi City County Assembly has approved new legislation which will see the introduction of a local regulator and specific licence fees.

The Nairobi City County Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act, 2021 came into effect on 6 May and imposes a 10 percent entertainment tax on gross proceeds of betting, lottery and gaming activities.

The Act requires a licence in order to operate betting, lottery and gaming activities. For gaming and casino premises, the initial licence fee is KES1,500,000 ($13,913), while the application and renewal fee is KES10,000 ($93).

An application for a licence must be submitted to the Nairobi City County Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Control Board director, while licences will be valid for one year from the date of issue.

“This act is aimed at providing for the implementation of National Government policy, standards and norms in relation to betting, lotteries and gaming in the county,” said Nairobi City County deputy governor Ann Kananu Mwenda. “It will also provide for the county institutions and for procedures applicable to the regulation and licensing of betting, lotteries and gaming within the county and make provisions for periodic monitoring and evaluation of betting, lotteries and gaming activities within the city.”