Connecting with Kenya: an overview of the Kenyan gambling market

The Kenyan gambling market: types of gambling

The Kenyan gambling market is enormous, projected to reach a value of nearly $100 million.

Ranked third in Sub-Saharan Africa in terms of market size, behind South Africa and Nigeria, Kenya also leads the region when it comes to number of young bettors — younger Kenyans spend much more on gambling than their peers in other African nations.

Gambling market trends in Kenya

Another thing that sets Kenya apart is access to technology.

Kenya has a very high internet penetration rate for an African country – 40.8% — and a vast majority of internet users in the country do so from mobile devices.

This rapid digitalization has triggered explosive growth in the online gambling sector. This isn't just a matter of convenience, but also a necessity for many residents of rural areas in Kenya without access to land-based betting shops and casinos.

Already, 88% of bettors used their mobile phones to place wagers, and this number is only expected to increase.

Of course, these factors contributed to the flourishing of online gambling. The variety of gambling options in the country has increased: traditional gaming has now been joined by online sports betting, virtual games, and live dealer games.

According to Statista there will be 402,000 online sports betting users by 2029, 85,000 online casino users, and 54,000 lottery users.

Next steps: how to enter the Kenyan market

Kenya is a market with a lot of potential, but it requires caution and a well-thought-out business plan to be commercially successful in the region.

There are some steps that Slotegrator recommends you follow to enter the Kenyan market successfully:

• 1. Select reliable software providers: Begin by partnering with trusted software providers that have a proven track record in the online gambling industry. These providers should offer scalable and secure software solutions that can handle high user volumes and ensure a smooth gaming experience.
• 2. Select gaming content: Curate a diverse range of gaming content that caters to the preferences of the Kenyan audience. This should focus on popular games in the region such as sports betting, slots, and table games. Offering games from reputable developers can also enhance the platform's credibility.
• 3. Obtain a license: Securing a gambling license from the Kenyan Betting Control and Licensing Board is crucial. This not only legitimizes the business but also ensures compliance with local regulations and boosts a platform’s reputation in players’ eyes.
• 4. Select payment methods: Incorporate a variety of payment methods that are popular and accessible in Kenya. This includes mobile money services like M-Pesa, along with traditional banking methods and perhaps cryptocurrencies for tech-savvy users, ensuring that transactions are secure, convenient, and available to all.
• 5. Create a website: Develop a user-friendly website that is optimized for both desktop and mobile use. The design should be appealing and easy to navigate, with robust backend support to handle user data securely and ensure uptime.
• 6. Marketing and promotion: Define and implement an effective marketing strategy, including social media and  partnerships.

Conclusion

The Kenyan iGaming industry is a vibrant and promising market for companies and entrepreneurs interested in the African gaming landscape.

Growing internet penetration and extensive mobile device usage provide an ideal environment for online gambling platforms. With a young audience keen on online betting and gambling, there's potential for significant growth and development in this market.

Entering a new market is no easy task. If you require professional assistance or wish to fine-tune your existing business plan to be a perfect fit for Kenya, contact us for a free consultation. Our team of legal professionals and iGaming experts is ready to assist you.