Should the Kenyan Government follow the UK Example with GamStop?

When comparing the regulatory landscape of the UK and Kenya in regard to gambling, they are shaped by very different cultural and legislative contexts. In both the UK and Kenya, gambling is popular, and both countries understand the economic benefits gambling brings. So, in this article, we will take a look at how these two countries regulate gambling and what points Kenya can take after the UK.

Gambling in the UK

The UK has had a tightly organised gambling regulation in place for many years. The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) was founded in 2005 to oversee all gambling activities in the country. The role of the UKGC is to protect gamblers and create a fair and balanced industry in the country.

GamStop is an initiative that has been active in the UK for some years. This is a system which allows players to enter self-exclusion for a certain time period. This means the player will no longer be able to gamble on a casino licensed in the UK. Of course, there are ways around this, like playing games that are not blocked by GamStop, which so many Brits use. However, this option is suitable only for those players who have learned to manage their gambling habits and just can’t come out of the program before a specific term.

Gambling in Kenya

Gambling in Kenya is very popular, and it is one of the leading countries in Africa in terms of betting. In fact, sports betting is the most popular form of gambling in the country. The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) was started in 1966 and regulates the industry.

Even though this regulator exists, Kenya’s gambling landscape is still evolving and is more reactive than proactive. Over the last 5 years, as more young gamblers start betting, the country has brought in new regulations. These include higher taxes, restrictions on advertising, and age verification requirements.

Self- Exclusion

The self-exclusion program in the UK has made a huge difference for vulnerable gamblers. If we look at Kenya they do not have a nationwide self-exclusion program in place. Kenyan gamblers need to rely on contacting gambling operators individually to set a self-exclusion. This is obviously much less effective and more difficult to enforce.

Advantages of Self-Exclusion in Kenya

There are definitely benefits that African gamblers can take after the UK. Some of them include:

• Protecting vulnerable gamblers in the country with a centralised system. It will block gamblers from accessing gambling platforms in the country, offering a more comprehensive self-exclusion program.
• Improving the overall health of players in Kenya. By using self-exclusion in a meaningful way, gamblers will reduce negative emotions, and society will improve.
• With multiple alternatives to GamStop available to Kenyan players, the gambling industry within the country will grow. It will give Kenya the opportunity to grow into a leading country when it comes to gambling in Africa.

Disadvantages of Self-Exclusion in Kenya

However, there are also misses that Kenyan operators should consider. Some of the disadvantages of implementing self-exclusion in Africa include:

• There are big cultural differences between the UK and Kenya, so gambling is seen differently. In the UK, gambling is used as a hobby or pastime, whereas in Kenya, gamblers often use it as a way to gain money. The effectiveness of self-exclusion may be different compared to the UK.
• As there are many people in Kenya who have financial difficulties, gambling is seen as a way out of poverty. The self-exclusion program could be less effective in a society where poverty is more widespread.
• It may be complicated to put in place a self-exclusion program, which is effective as the gambling ecosystem is not in place. In the UK, GamStop is effective because it is well-integrated. In Kenya, many people gamble using their mobile devices and informal betting systems.

Responsible Gambling Practices

Kenya has improved in promoting responsible gambling even without a structure in place like the UK. The BCLB has implemented advertising restrictions, which have helped prevent underage gambling. Betting companies in the country must warn players of the dangers of gambling addiction. It is worth remembering that these efforts are undermined by weak enforcement and a lack of educational campaigns.

Conclusion

There are many benefits to implementing GamStop and a program like self-exclusion in Kenya. It will protect vulnerable gamblers and help assist gamblers stay in control of their gambling habits while online. Awareness should certainly be brought to local communities about this dangerous type of entertainment and its possible pitfalls. The regulators must be tougher and implement robust enforcement mechanisms. Kenya is a country where gambling will continue to grow, so it must prioritise responsible gambling practices. This will keep the society healthier and happier and offer a long-term plan for the gambling industry in the region.