Kenya restricts slots importation

National authorities will set stricter control over casino equipment importation.

Kenya.- The Kenyan government decided to implement further taxes on casino equipment’s importation last month in order to limit the installation of slots and betting machines countrywide. Now, it has been announced that the control will be stricter.

“Restricting importation is part of our fight against illegal machines, mostly from China,” revealed Anthony Kimani Kung, chairman of Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB). The official said that most of imported machines do not fulfill the international standards of approval.

The gaming control entity will be in charge of the extensive review and possible authorisation of upcoming importation of casino machines. Last month, the government also increased the fee on the importation activities.

The latest decision was backed by the Association of Gaming Operators of Kenya. “As an association, we have been telling BCLB to crackdown on these machines because they are encouraging irresponsible gaming,” stated its chairman and chief executive of sports betting company SportPesa, Ronald Karauri.