Kenyan Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich has put forth legislation that would levy a 10 percent excise tax on gamblers in the country, a move designed to curb problem gambling.
The proposal was part of the 2019/20 financial year budget presented to parliament on June 13. “Mr. Speaker, betting has become widespread in our society and its expansion has had negative social effects, particularly to the young and vulnerable members of our society,” said Rotich at the time.
“In order to curtail the negative effects arising from betting activities, I propose to introduce excise duty on betting activities at the rate of 10 percent of the amount staked.”
According to SBC News, other measures under consideration include stricter controls on gaming-related ads with brands required to earmark at least 10 percent of their airtime to responsible gaming messages. Gaming ads would be banned between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
A limit to how many advertisements can be broadcast is due to be introduced as part of the Gaming Advertisement Tax. The new tax will incur a 35 percent charge on all advertising.
A report noted that the government also is targeting tobacco and alcohol in the budget; both will be subject to a new 15 percent excise tax.
