Kenya’s gaming industry is entering a decisive era with the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BC&LB) strengthening its oversight on crash and aviator games.
BC&LB, who are the industry regulators have mandated all such offerings to operate exclusively on licensed platforms, effectively banning standalone apps and websites. The directive is part of efforts to clamp down on unregulated gambling that has soared with the popularity of high-stakes online games.
“Standalone cash/aviator game applications will not be permitted. This also applies to those unvetted algorithms and or operating outside their authorized gambling platforms,” a memo from the regulator dated March 25, 2025, states in part.
This latest crackdown underlines the regulator’s intent to curb rogue operators and steer gaming activities into a controlled, monitored digital landscape. It prohibits standalone applications and independent websites that have previously thrived in the murky waters of inconsistent oversight, and instead fully integrates them in the operators’ main sportsdesk/ online casinos.
Industry experts believe the move is likely to reshape the operational strategies of operators, forcing them to revisit partnerships with licensed platforms to maintain their foothold in the market.
The regulator now mandates independent certification of game algorithms, requiring them to pass the test of fairness through audits by certified professionals, in a move aimed at ensuring both transparency and player protection.
In addition, operators offering crash games now face scrutiny not only on algorithmic fairness but also on backend mechanics, including payment systems and third-party provider details. “All pay bills or accounts utilized for game transactions must be disclosed upfront, alongside clear terms of service,” adds another clause. Non-compliance risks suspension, immediate legal enforcement, and brand reputation fallout.
Enhanced transparency offers players safer betting environments, but it may come at the cost of access to standalone games, which are favored for their uniqueness. Industry players reckon that the key challenge for operators will be adapting to these stricter regulations while retaining their customer base.
Kenya’s actions echo broader international movements, as jurisdictions worldwide tighten oversight on games defined by their swift outcomes and emotional appeal. Globally, crash games have gained significant traction for their adrenaline-packed nature, but often operate in a legal gray area. Kenya’s move could set the pace for other Sub-Saharan countries grappling with the twin challenges of rampant online gaming and lax enforcement.
BC&LB said it will enforce compliance audits to ensure full adherence to these regulations, adding that operators found in violation will face severe legal penalties under the prevailing gambling laws.
