Gambling In Kenya

767 Words4 Pages

INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
Kenya is becoming a nation of gambling addicts. Gambling was first introduced to Kenya back in 1966. The betting and licensing board was created to ensure free and fair platform. But in year 2012 the betting and gambling act was revised and new provisions were made such as establishment of casinos based in Kenya and outside, it also had a provision of online gambling.
The online gambling expansion in Kenya is not population driven; it reflects the shared interest of the gambling industry and the public officials and protecting the welfare of citizens is of secondary importance. The national assembly of Kenya has tried to review the betting, control and licensing board act but still there is stiff resistant …show more content…

Betting control and licensing board was established by an act of parliament in 1966 which is enshrined in chapter 131 of the Kenyan constitution. Gambling is a behavior that is out of control and interrupts individual, family and society in general. About 50% of Kenyan GDP is sourced from the government revenue of which betting companies pays a reasonable amount; also they pay relevant statutory fees. Much of this increased revenue is used for educational and social purposes such as advanced health and welfare. Account should be taken on the impact of gambling.
The first online gambling site, betkenya.com which is state-run which was launched early 2013. Sport betting is also allowed in Kenya, which is most popular in among the youths. Sportpesa was the first sport betting company to be registered. Due to high return in the field of gambling a number of companies have emerged for example betway, elitebet, eazibet, Mcheza, Lotto, and Mzooka jackpot etc. Also there are lotteries companies that have been established i.e lotto, tatua tatu, shabiki.com, mega dollar etc. Which are popular and advertised widely on mass …show more content…

They have invested heavily in advertising including social media for instance Facebook and twitter. Some are even awarding bonus to the existing clients who invites a new customer and he/she get a free stake. They have also availed betting tips in their websites which make people tend to believe they are correct.
It is established that about 67% of all college students bet on sports (Weinstock et al 2007). Hence this problem on student involvement in gambling should not be overlooked since it has adverse effects on student behavior and the society as a whole and has become a nationwide concern in Kenya. Thus this study examined the prevalence, the motivation and the effects of betting on Kenyan university students’ behavior. (koross,