The parliament of Kenya has introduced a measure that would replace the Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act and get a hand on gambling in the African country, Kenyan Broadcasting Company has reported.
In introducing his bill, Regulation of the Betting Industry in Kenya, MP Duncan Mathenge said it was necessary to contain the participation of the youth in gambling.
He added, “Society must be more central in the new dispensation in as far as controlling betting is concerned. In 2017 Geopoll survey youth between the age of 18-35, Kenya had the highest number of betting young people compared to Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria and South Africa and because of this we’re destroying an entire generation because of desperation for money, unemployment rate, constant announcements, the thrill of gambling, media advertising and celebration of winners.”
He added, “Gambling losses lead to severe debts, anxiety, depression and listing on CRB hence the vice should be listed among the social ills just like rampant corruption, irresponsible sex, alcoholism, drug abuse among others.”
Mathenge said the Media Council of Kenya has the constitutional authority to set standards and promote ethical professionalism. It should fight the promotion of gambling by local media houses, he said.
The government previously announced it would tax the billions staked annually by punters and put the money into a fund to promote and even enforce savings. It directs a percentage of every bet into this savings fund.
