The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has lamented of low budgetary allocations to support its activities after increased illegal gambling both online and land-based.
BCLB director Peter Mbugi highlighted that the board has been generating more revenue for the government despite low budgetary allocations when he appeared before the National Assembly departmental committee on administration and interior security regarding the budget implementation.
Further, Mbugi revealed that the board generated Kes 256 million as revenue despite receiving a budgetary allocation of Kes109 million, including salaries in the 2023/2024 financial year.
He proposed adequate funding to facilitate staffing in different specializations and constant staff training and exposure to ensure a well-regulated gaming industry nationwide.
“Hon Chair, the Boards overall goal is to have a well-regulated gaming industry that can guarantee; Public protection, Revenue generation, Responsible gambling and Investment growth and Development of the Gaming Industry in Kenya. This goal can be achieved by providing the requisite support.”
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Additionally, he called for heavy investment and deployment of technology, including kitting and tooling, to facilitate real-time monitoring of gambling activities.
“More than 80 percent of gambling activity in Kenya today just like in many countries in the world is online and less brick and mortar. Given this scenario, deployment of adequate technology is the only sure way to adequately monitor and effectively regulate the industry,” he said.
Similarly he urged Parliament to pass the enacted Gambling Control Bill 2023 into law to facilitate the transformation envisaged in the industry.
The bill now before the Senate will provide a strong legal framework for the betting industry.
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