License fees also will increase
Kenya will crack down on illegal slot operations by upping the penalty for illegal machines from Sh5,000 (US$43) to Sh2 million (US$19,300) and including the possibility of imprisonment for up to two years. Moreover, slot machines investors will have to request authorization to the central government in order to start their business in the African nation.
“No license shall be issued under this act unless the board has sent a copy of the application for the license to the county government within whose area of jurisdiction the applicant proposes to conduct his business and has given the county government reasonable opportunity to object to, or make recommendations with respect to the application,” according to a proposal by National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale.
According to the Daily Nation, the Betting Control and Licensing Board will require increase the security deposits licensees must pay from Sh40,000 to Sh20 million. The bill targets street gaming as well with penalties expected to increase from Sh3,000 to Sh100,000 or imprisonment for one year, or both, reported the website Yogonet.com.
