Persons, owners or occupiers of premises used for public gaming could be fined Sh1 million or face a five year imprisonment if a new bill regulating the betting and gaming sector is passed by the Nairobi City County Assembly.
The Nairobi City County Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act, 2023 which is sponsored by Ngara MCA Chege Mwaura also proposes more punitive and tough regulations for Casino operators.
The bill proposes the establishment of the Nairobi City County Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Control Board, which shall be responsible for licensing of all betting, gaming and lottery activities.
The bill further highlights specific regulations for gaming and totalisators premises,,and other forms of gaming within the county.
Additionally, its gives the board power to authorize prize competitions and public Lotteries within the county.
The purpose of the bill according to Chege will help regulate betting and gaming activities in informal settlements apart from helping the county create jobs and raise revenue collections.
Gaming machine operators and owners of premises from which they operate are the biggest causalities as the county targets to make the activity an expensive venture.
Part of the bill states that a person who being the owner, occupier or having the temporary use of a premise, establishes, operates, or permits the use of the premise, for public gaming without a licence, commits an offense, and is liable, on conviction to a fine not exceeding one million shillings, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, or to both.
Similarly, persons playing in unlicensed premise will be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand shillings or will face imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months.
It proposes that those applying or seeking renewal of betting premises license will have to pay Sh10, 000,a grant fee of Sh 600,000 with another annual fee of Sh 300,000.
Gaming machines shall not be near learning institutions, religious establishments and residential areas as per the bill.
To transfer premises for gaming activities one will have to pay Sh100,000 after consultations with the board and the Director.
According to the bill, Casinos must be willing to enhance the neighborhood and environment, promote tourism at the premise where it’s located, sustain employment and provide opportunities for women, youth and People Living With Disabilities.
Application or renewal of Casino Premises License has been proposed to be Sh 10,000 with a grant fee of Sh1.5 million, an annual fee of Sh 500,000 and Sh 200,000 for transfer or change of premises.
There shall also be a new tax imposed for all entertainment and connected purposes in such premises.
To implement all these, it proposes that there shall be a Director of betting, Lotteries and Gaming activities who shall be appointed by the County Public Service Board.
The County Public Service Board shall also recruit gaming inspectors for enforcement of the act.
According to the bill,the gaming inspectors will inspect pool tables,funfairs and amusement machines to ensure compliance with set standards
The Director may suspend a licence issued under this act for a period not exceeding six months where a license is charged with any offense involving fraud, dishonesty or any offense related to gaming
Director may also upon recommendation by the Board, issue a license authorizing the promotion and conduct of a lottery within the county intended to raise funds for charitable purposes which may include charitable activities for social service, public welfare,relief of distress, patriotic purposes, recreational or sporting purposes.
