Under Kenyan law, lotteries are regulated by the national Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act (Cap. 131), which establishes a clear legal framework for the promotion and sale of lottery tickets. Authorized lotteries may only be conducted by promoters who have obtained the requisite permits from the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), ensuring that all operations meet statutory standards (1).
Section 14 of the Act makes it an offence for any person to print, sell, distribute, advertise, or possess lottery tickets without the necessary licence or permit. Violations carry penalties of up to KSh 5,000 or six months’ imprisonment (1).
"The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) was established by Section 3(1) of the Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act Cap. 131 – Laws of Kenya of 1966 (Rev.) to regulate and license betting, lotteries, and gaming activities in Kenya." (2)
Additionally, the Act sets conditions on prize distribution, ticket pricing, and safeguarding purchaser interests, including age restrictions—no person under 18 may participate. Non-compliance with any statutory requirement renders the lottery void and exposes promoters and sellers to criminal sanctions (1).
Source:
https://new.kenyalaw.org/akn/ke/act/1966/9/eng%402023-07-01/source
https://bclb.go.ke/
Last updated: 20-05-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
