Online gambling has become one of the main forms of entertainment in Kenya. In fact, over 70% of adult Kenyans almost regularly play casino games online with real money. While some see casino games simply as a way to spend some free time, others believe that it will get them out of dire straits.
Whatever the reason, online casino sites are blooming in Kenya. People can access various casinos and play many games at all times. For those who wish to learn more, this guide will name the best casino sites in Kenya for 2023, how to access them, what to expect, and much more.
Gambling is a legal, multi-billion dollar business in Africa, and research shows a large number of gamblers playing in the English Premier League, which has the largest following on the continent. A regional survey found that Kenya has the highest number of African gamblers under the age of 35. More than half a million Kenyans have been banned by their debtors and the government believes many borrowed money to gamble.
The government is trying to be very strict with taxes though. In 2018, more than 25 gambling companies had their licenses revoked by the government on suspicion of non-payment of taxes.
Gambling companies SportPesa and Betin suspended operations in Kenya following a long-running dispute over tax payments with the Kenyan government. Kenya has imposed a 20 percent tax on these companies in all its operations. SportPesa and Betin control 60 percent of Kenya’s gambling industry, meaning that thousands of workers may lose their jobs.
SportPesa, which is the largest in Kenya due to adherence, also said that there was a lack of understanding from the government on how revenue in the sector was obtained which had sparked a stalemate in negotiations.
Kenya has also been cracking down on illegal gambling companies, shutting down and even dismissing executives for violating their operating licenses.
Gambling continues to spread in Africa, especially among football fans. It is a business now worth billions of dollars to the companies running this business, but not so to the players.
The promise of a big win is the biggest attraction for these players. A study shows that Kenya is Africa’s leading gambler as 75% of Kenyans under the age of 35 have ever gambled.
Since the risk of losing money is greater than earning it, it is risking the little money they have.
Gamblers have made the game a multi-billion dollar business in Africa and the world. Now governments are also demanding their rights through taxes.
In Kenya, gambling companies are charged 30 percent of their income as tax, but in the country’s most recently announced budget, the government has added another 10 percent tax on every amount set aside for gambling or betting. Meaning that the player will be charged even before he wins anything. Whether this move will discourage players or not, is a matter of waiting.
Is Online Casino Legal in Kenya?
Gambling is legal in Kenya. In fact, Kenya is the first country in Africa to legalize gambling. Players can therefore enjoy a variety of gambling games, including sports betting, the most popular form of gambling in the country.
The wide variety of online casino sites in Kenya can make it difficult for us to choose the best one. However, it is not a decision to be taken lightly or left to chance, you must take into account several important aspects of casino games. Let’s talk about them in detail, so you can choose a safe option where you can bet your money and also have fun playing in Kenyan online casinos.
It is good to note that most casinos offer welcome bonuses. Knowing the conditions and the amount of this bonus can be a factor that helps us choose. In addition, knowing how to withdraw the bonus, the conversion to Kenyan shilling, and whether or not we must make an initial payment, all these details must be kept in mind when making the decision.
Players should not get carried away by a large amount in the bonus as many times behind that there are a series of requirements to obtain them. They should always look for free bonuses for registration and games.
Opt for casinos with quality software, which you can play on PC and mobile for your convenience. The variety of games of chance is also important – choose one that has your favorite games and in which you have the best chance of winning. Some games have free spins options, these would be an alternative to try and practice a bit before investing your money.
The ratings of casino games in Kenya can help you see how fair the game is, as well as the conditions of the game. Generally, a quality game has good colors, an attractive platform, and a realistic experience.
You must make sure that you choose an online casino that is licensed to operate in Kenya. This way you guarantee your safety, that of your money and personal information, as well as fraud, which has become common.
In order to play online casino games in Kenya, you must be able to deposit and withdraw money easily. Verify that these payment methods are available in the country and in the currency of the country. The variety is great, among the most common and secure we have: Visa and MasterCard credit cards, bank transfers, Skrill, and Neteller, but also some Kenyan payment methods, such as Airtel Money and M-PESA.
These are some of the options that you must take into account when finding the best casino for you. Also, remember that in most casinos the method you use to pay will be the same method by which the money won will be returned to you.
Last but not least, we have this feature. If you are in Kenya and you are going to choose an online casino, the attention of this must be in Swahili. Verify that the support is free, that it is available 24/7, and also both for PC and mobile. A phone number that you can call in case of problems generates more confidence in the site. A section for the frequently asked questions, where you can clear up certain doubts, is always recommended.
By following these steps, you will surely be able to choose the best online casino in Kenya. There are many that have all of them, pay attention to the details and you will be able to enjoy a good game.
To start playing online casino games in Kenya, it is important that you know the most important aspects of creating an account. The process is pretty much similar to all online casinos that are available for Kenyan players. For this reason, we have prepared this general tutorial:
First of all, make sure that the online casino you choose is a secure site. Must be licensed to operate, as well as provide a secure web page with the “HTTPS.” In addition, you must check if a padlock appears in the browser bar every time you enter the web page.
Second, you must register at the casino of your choice. To do this, you need to go to the official website, click on the “register” or “join” button, and fill out the registration form; following the instructions. It is very important that you insert correct information and be sure to create a strong password with a combination of numbers, symbols, and uppercase letters. Also, you must use the security question; with an answer that only you know to make it easier for you to recover your password.
Then, it is time to make the first deposit of money to your gambling account. Check on the official website of the casino you have chosen which are the accepted deposit methods. Choose the one as your first choice and follow its instructions to make your first deposit.
Another of the steps to follow, once the registration is finished, is that you must claim the welcome bonus offered, as well as any other bonus or promotion offered by the casino to its new customers. Bonuses and promotions give a slight edge over a casino and all players in Kenya should look to collect such bonuses whenever possible.
Finally, log in to your casino account and enjoy your favorite game. On the website, you will find various games to choose from, such as poker, baccarat, blackjack, dozens of different slot machines, and various types of roulette, among others. In addition, many casinos in Kenya offer the possibility to play in the exciting casino rooms that have croupiers, so you can experience a real gambling experience, like the one in Las Vegas and similar.
The world of online casinos is booming. More and more people decide to go to these temples of Internet gaming. Read on to find out which are the most popular online casino games and the ones that players play the most in Kenya.
Also known as slot machines, slots are one of the most requested online casino games by users in Kenya. This is due to the great variety of features, among which its numerous themes, pay lines, and also the combinations to win and the bonuses that they offer could be highlighted. Their minigames are also one of the main options that make them preferred by players.
They are another of the slot machine modalities that are highly demanded in any type of Internet casino, not only in Kenya. They are also known by the name of the jackpot. This means that the jackpot is accumulated according to the number of bets made by users in Kenya. This amount is distributed into one pot and the winnings can make players become millionaires, hence the huge popularity.
Another of the classic games in any self-respecting casino in Kenya is blackjack, also known as 21. Its mechanics are simple and it consists of adding a value of 21 with two cards or the closest thing to this figure but without going over. Blackjack is a game for a group of 4 to 7 players and the bet is always placed before the first card is put into play, which adds to the excitement.
Roulette is, without a doubt, one of the most popular casino games in Kenya. Its traditional style has changed very little over the years, although today, digital images add a touch of greater excitement and fun when playing on devices such as PCs or other laptops such as tablets or smartphones.
Baccarat is even a much simpler version of blackjack and it became popular mainly because it is the favorite game of the popular movie character James Bond. The objective of Baccarat is to add a number of points as close to 9 as possible. Normally, it is played between a player against the bank. The only advantage of the house is that it knows the third card that the player receives.
In recent years, poker has undergone a real revolution and video poker has contributed to this, which offers several versions and is played against the machine. This type of game includes 5 cards and there are versions with different lines of the play: 10, 25, 50, and even 100. Poker is arguably the most well-known card game in the world as it requires skill and tactics to win.
Bingo is the quintessential game for any player who approaches an online casino in Kenya since it is the easiest to play. The most classic version of bingo has 90 balls, although there are also other versions with 75 and 80 balls. One of the main advantages of online bingo is that it allows you to interact with other players and also with the casino moderator.
While not a traditional casino game, sports betting is as popular as ever in Kenya. Many casino sites offer various sports bets with great odds. Placing some sports bets and then enjoying a few casino games while waiting for a match to finish is a common occurrence at casino sites in Kenya.
When talking about the odds of winning at online casino sites in Kenya, there are a few terms and formulas that all players should be aware of. Here is how casino sites in Kenya earn money and how much money they give back to players.
The RTP (Return to Player) is the money that will be returned to him for every 11600 shillings played. Undoubtedly, the RTP is one of the main factors that lead most online casino users to opt for a series of games to the detriment of others, as it will determine the probability of victory.
Although it is an average, it is not an exact percentage that directly indicates the money that will be recovered, but it is a valid indicator. The RTP is calculated over a total of millions of spins, so you have to understand that it cannot be exactly repeated for each player. In addition, the result of each spin is determined by a random number generator (RNG), which ensures that each player starts with the same chance of winning.
Today, the average percentage of RTP is 96%, so it will be the scale above which we will consider that a game has a high RTP, while those that are below 96% will be considered low RTP.
As it is not an exact science, the RTP is the only indicator with which to estimate your probability of victory on the next spin. But it is not a direct guarantee of recovering the bet. In fact, it would be difficult for there to be players who would place bets on slots or games in which they would constantly lose.
The reality is that RTPs fluctuate, player to player, and spin to spin, around 15% on both sides, that is, in favor of the player or the casino. And that determines that there are players who are on a streak or who have bad luck days in which they fail to win.
In any case, the casino starts with the House Edge, that is, the advantage of the house: an advantage that is determined by the RTP, and that, at higher percentages, estimates a lower margin for the house and at lower rates leave more money in the operator’s till.
There are always options to minimize risks, as far as placing bets on slots is concerned. There are slots that offer RTP of 98% or more. In addition, there is a wide enough range of options to find a diversity of themes and ways to play with the oriental exoticism of Nuwa with 98% or the simplicity of Mega Joker with a very impressive 99% RTP.
Includes slots with RTP above 96%. The difference between the slots that become classics and those that go unnoticed can be conditioned by small details – it can be a matter of tenths. The competition is so fierce, that with the maelstrom of new slots appearing on the market every week, graphics, music, and gameplay are not the only factors that define the success of a game among players. And it is that the RTP has played its role so that Book of Oz, Gonzo’s Quest, or Starburst have become authentic claims for all types of players.
You will find in this group slots with RTPs around 94%, especially big hits like the famous Mega Moolah, which through its 25 pay lines and the progressive jackpot has become a safe choice for many Kenyans. We can also find other well-known games like Rainbow Riches and Fishin’ Frenzy, with 95% and 95.02% RTP respectively. This is one of the most common RTPs in the world of slots.
Although they are in the group with the lowest RTP, these slots usually have an ace up their sleeve. In the form of mini-games and free spins, as in the case of Super Lucky Frog, which, based on humor, makes its way among the most popular games, despite the fact that it offers an RTP of 93%.
In the case of table games, Blackjack, Roulette, or Poker, to give clear examples, have predefined probabilities, on many occasions with RTPs above 98%. In other words, the probability that certain cards, numbers, or combinations will come out is predefined and is usually higher than in slots.
In this case, the player’s luck is in most cases in his hands and, especially, in his skill and experience as a player.
It is the result of dividing the total money returned to players by the total money played by those players. Being expressed as a percentage, we can establish a direct logic with accumulated bets of US$100, that is, we can understand how much money will be recovered over $100 wagered. For example, in games with an RTP of 96%, $100 is recovered $96.
And there is also the case of games that distribute jackpots – progressive slots, but for that reason have a low RTP, so low percentages should not always dissuade players from playing a certain game. In this case, since there is a greater risk of losing, there is a greater prize at stake. This is a constant that is transferred to roulette or sports betting as well, since the greater the probability of winning, the lower the prize to be received.
The frequency of success, or volatility, is usually directly associated with the RTP since games with high RTP will offer low volatility as they distribute prizes very frequently. It is the opposite case of games with a low RTP, for which it will be necessary to wait for more game rounds for that high volatility to reward the player.
In the case of hit rate, this is how often a game will offer a winning combination. For example, if you have a hit rate of 12%, it means that you will stop on a winning combination 12% of the game time.
The difference between a bonus and a promotion is clear. Bonuses are the incentives that casino sites in Kenya offer to users with the desire that they register and become regular customers of the same casino. Promotions are offered to existing users for different events, whether they are sporting events or live casinos, which allows the user to debate with different players.
One of the purposes of these offers is that you can play, enjoy and bet without losing your money, on the contrary, the ideal approach is to play with the bonus and win the largest amount of money and then be able to withdraw them. It should be taken into account that both the bonuses and promotions have their conditions, one of them is that you cannot withdraw the bonus without first having played it, that is, you must play and the earnings from this bonus or promotion are what you must withdraw. The payment options have well-known conditions as well, such as the percentage they take per transaction and the time to process the money.
Among the most popular bonuses and promotions in Kenya, we can find the following options.
You will find the registration bonus in different bookmakers and online casino sites in Kenya, and this consists of the incentive that they offer to their users for registering on their platform, also known as casino welcome bonuses. Once the user has completed their registration, they will have to complete some conditions to release the bonus, and this depends on the casino in which you register.
These bonuses and promotions start from free casino games or free bets in different sports disciplines to a percentage of money if the individual makes a deposit. This information can be found in the bonus tab of the casino site in Kenya.
The match deposit is a monetary bonus offered to players when they fund their casino accounts. You will receive an offer to match the amount you deposit up to a certain percentage. For example, if the site offers a 100% match bonus of up to 20,000 shillings, they will give you an additional 20,000 if you deposit 20,000. Your total budget will then be 40,000.
This bonus is one of the best that can exist, since thanks to it, players in Kenya have the opportunity to play without risk of losing their money, as they do not make any deposits at all. The benefit that this promotion offers you is very simple – you should not deposit money to bet or play on your favorite sites, that is, it is valid for making “safe and risk-free” bets since if you win the money, it will be added to your account and you can continue playing. And if you lose the money, it will not be deducted from what you never lost.
The casino sites in Kenya may offer you a matching deposit, free spins, or a combination of both to encourage you to sign up. It simply gives you free spins of an online slot game. These can be low in number (just a few) or as high as 150 free spins, depending on a casino. Not all slot games support such bonuses though.
The mechanics of the reload bonus offers are the same as the promotions available only for new players. Both need a qualifying deposit to be activated, and the amount you can get on top of your deposit is usually 100%.
The only difference lies in the maximum amount of the bonus funds, which are much more significant in the joining offers. Reload bonuses are offers distributed only among active players of casino sites in Kenya. In a way, this is the motivation that the casinos use to support players so that they can continue to enjoy their services for longer.
Many of the current casino sites in Kenya have taken the great idea of creating loyalty programs, basically, the most veteran and loyal users of the platform have advantages that others do not. These programs are carried out through points that users collect according to the bets they make on the platform until they reach certain VIP ranks such as bronze, silver, gold, and diamond.
It goes without saying that the higher the rank, the more advantages that the user obtains with the platform. Being a VIP user can vary between having promotions that other users will never see, such as reduced fees for loyal users, faster withdrawals, exclusive bonuses, prizes such as trips, and other more glamorous rewards for said users.
In the past, introducing your friend to a site that offers an exciting gaming experience was free of charge. Nowadays, you can earn extra money when you refer your partner to a particular casino site in Kenya. What you need is a casino referral bonus.
There are several casinos that offer a refer-a-friend bonus. You can claim this reward for bringing your friends to the casino. The way it usually works is that you give your friend a referral of some kind and once they have signed up, made a deposit, and wagered some money, you will be rewarded with a cash bonus. At the same time, many casinos will give the referred friend some additional bonus money.
In order to play online casino games in Kenya, a player must deposit some money first and use it to gamble for real money. To do so, Kenyan players can use a variety of methods, most of which are completely safe and quite recommended.
To better name the best methods, they will be categorized in groups below. These are the most popular payment options in Kenya.
✅ Airtel Money – In Kenya, the Airtel Money transfer method is arguably the most preferred one. It’s fast, reliable, and widespread. Probably all casino sites in Kenya offer Airtel Money as a transfer method. There are no fees included when depositing or withdrawing money from the casino sites in Kenya and the transfers are quite fast.
✅ M-PESA – Another very popular payment method among Kenyan players is M-PESA. In fact, M-PESA and Airtel Money are somewhat of rivals as they offer quite similar services. M-PESA offers fast and reliable transfers to and from online casinos in Kenya, and there are no fees attached to such transactions. All a player needs to do is to create an account and use this payment method anytime.
✅ Credit cards – Extremely popular, widely used, super practical, and capable of making us spend money that will only be deducted at the end of the month: these are the reasons why operators accept the main credit cards on international circuits.
The rather high limits also make us greedy. But credit cards also have their Achilles heels: beware of privacy!
✅ Visa – Visa is possibly the most popular card in the world, only challenged by Mastercard. You can expect the vast majority of casino sites in Kenya to accept this credit card for payments.
✅ MasterCard – One of the best-known and most reliable credit cards in the world. MasterCard has always been a simple way to make casino payments.
✅ Electronic Wallets – Convenient, practical, hassle-free, widespread, and safe: e-wallets seem to be ideal for those who want to approach gambling without worry. Also, it has to be said that commissions are nil and withdrawals are usually available, but limits may not be made for the subtle palate of high-rollers.
Therefore, they are also great for less experienced players who want to try their first bet. Your privacy is as secure, and so are your savings, and their ease of use makes them suitable for those new to online payments.
✅ PayPal – One of the best casino payment methods in the world. PayPal can be found in almost every online casino, in almost every country. Additionally, the company has an internal approval process for any betting-related business partners, giving your betting transactions additional security.
✅ Neteller – One of the most trusted e-wallets along with PayPal, it has been processing gambling payments since 2000. All you have to do is link a credit or debit card or bank account and pay through a secure online platform or via PayPal. your own Net+ MasterCard prepaid cards.
✅ Skrill – It works just like the other e-wallets, allowing you to make payments through its secure platform instead of handing over your bank or credit card details. It also has its own prepaid MasterCard cards, which you can use anywhere.
✅ Bank Transfers – Bank transfers are a very popular payment method in online gambling in Kenya. Everyone who bets online has a bank account that they can use to deposit and withdraw money without any intermediaries.
That is why the best platforms make them available to us. Although it must be taken into account that the withdrawal terms are longer than those of other methods, and the limits are generally high.
✅ Cryptocurrencies – Cryptocurrencies are new forms of online payments and can be used with some online casino sites in Kenya, although rarely. The main problem is that not many casinos will offer cryptocurrencies. What’s more, even fewer people possess crypto.
But those who deal with cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, etc. will benefit greatly from such transfers. They are lightning-fast, completely anonymous, and absolutely safe. What’s more, cryptocurrencies can be sold for a nice amount of money, therefore casinos are a great way to collect more of these.
What Is the Best Payment Option for Kenyan Players?
When using legal and approved casino sites in Kenya, players can use any banking method available with ease of mind. E-wallets are the fastest ones and most widespread but they usually require additional accounts and some fees. Bank and credit card transfers are easy to use but they are quite slow and not as safe. In general, cryptocurrencies are the best but this method is still underdeveloped in Kenya (and the rest of the world as well).
Kenyan players are one of the luckiest ones in the world as all forms of gambling are legal. This means that Kenyans can bet on sports and play casino games freely. It is important to choose legal and licensed gambling houses though.
Gambling is well-regulated in Kenya and therefore very safe. Of course, this is certain when gambling at reputable and licensed casino sites. There are still shady casinos that can be accessed therefore good research is needed before joining a casino site.
There are many national and foreign bookmakers available to Kenyan punters to choose from, and most of them are completely safe. Simply go with the reputable ones and always check for certifications.
Every banking option as well as every casino site will have its own limits when it comes to deposits and withdrawals. Deposit limits are usually adequate for all gamblers in Kenya but those who wish to play big should really see which casinos offer the best limits.
As gambling is legal in Kenya, there will be taxes involved. These are currently a whopping 20% for both players and casino sites. The government takes 20% of all bets, regardless of whether the bet was won or lost.
Most casino sites in Kenya process the winnings immediately and players will be able to withdraw the money minutes after finishing the gambling session. Be that as it may, it is up to the withdrawal method when the money will be present on the account. The fastest are cryptocurrencies, e-wallets, and other electronic payments, followed by credit cards and bank transfers, which usually take a few working days.
All casinos are unique in their services and not all will be of liking to all players. Therefore, the most important thing is that the casino will suit your needs. This relates to games of choice, payment methods, welcome bonuses, specific features, etc. Of course, it is important for the casino to be licensed and legal.
There are no bans on any games in Kenya and there are a plethora of casino sites available. Therefore, Kenyan players can access all kinds of casino games, such as traditional card games – poker, blackjack, baccarat, other table games such as roulette and craps, slots machines, etc. Not only that but also bingo, scratch cards, sports betting, and much more.
Kenyan players usually look for a quick way to earn money, and therefore progressive slot machines are the most popular ones. They offer huge winnings in a matter of minutes based purely on luck. And while sports betting is not traditionally a casino game, many Kenyans love betting on sports as well.
Free spins are a part of many online casino sites in Kenya. They can come either as a welcome bonus or via regular promotions. Either way, free spins offer money-free slot playing and it is even possible to earn money when using them. Hence, it is always recommended to collect any free spins available.
Online casinos offer great welcome bonuses in order to attract new players. These come in many shapes and forms and are one of the main reasons why many players are moving from brick-and-mortar casinos to online ones. To claim such bonuses, it is often enough to create a gambling account. Some casinos, however, may ask for an initial deposit first before giving out bonus money.
There are numerous ways in which Kenyan bettors can ask for help. One is to contact the GamHelp Kenya at 0800-000-023, another is East Africa Center at +254700656284 or +254725492006, or contact a gambling counselor (+254) 707764498, 0739 340004. Naturally, all players who experience gambling addiction can also consult their local psychotherapists.
🔎 Looking for betting sites? Here are the best betting sites in Kenya.
