Curtis Roach Outlines Plans for Ecologically Friendly Expansion of the Gaming Sector across Eastern Africa
In the heart of East Africa, the gaming industry is undergoing a transformation, guided by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) and the Betting, Lotteries, and Gaming Act. The BCLB enforces licensing requirements, player protection, and responsible gaming measures to maintain a regulated market.
One of the challenges faced by Kenyan regulators is the rise of online games like Aviator, which are operated by foreign companies with servers outside Kenya. This makes it difficult for national regulators to block or revoke licenses for such operators, leaving these games largely outside the scope of direct regulatory control.
Despite these challenges, ongoing conversations in Kenya's gaming sector are focused on strengthening regulatory oversight. Proposals include unified regulation efforts, such as tightening licensing requirements and increasing operator deposits to safeguard player winnings. There are also discussions about enhancing responsible gaming measures, including the introduction of higher operational standards, deposit limits, and monitoring to mitigate gambling-related harms.
In addition, conversations revolve around updating the legal framework to better cover emerging digital assets and gambling platforms. Debates about cryptocurrency-related taxes and their impact on gaming operations are underway. These discussions aim to establish clearer regulations and promote responsible gaming.
The importance of these dialogues for the gaming industry in Kenya was emphasised by Curtis Roach, Head of Content and Co-Founder of iGamingFuture, during his speech at the iGF East Africa event. The event, created due to a gap in the gaming ecosystem in East Africa, aims to foster networking and knowledge sharing among gaming industry stakeholders in the region.
Localization is crucial in the East African betting market, as content and products need to be customized to reflect the unique preferences and behaviors of players in the region. Curtis Roach disputed the notion that East African players engage with content similarly to those in West or South Africa, stating that the region has unique betting patterns.
Retail betting continues to be strong in East Africa, due to its social aspect and the preference for physical interaction. However, online platforms face a challenge in replicating this social experience. Innovation is a significant factor in engaging a Kenyan audience in the gaming industry, and Curtis Roach sees promise in omni-channel models that blend online and retail betting.
Recently, Kenyan MPs have raised alarms over the Aviator crash game due to issues like high risk of addiction and its impact on minors and women. The Association of Gaming Operators of Kenya (AGOK) is actively involved in conversations between operators and regulators in Kenya, pushing for responsible gambling and unified regulation across Africa.
Curtis Roach, in his discussion about what's next at iGF East Africa 2025, highlighted a rapid rise of crash games, particularly in Kenya. No specific dates were provided for the BCLB's push for responsible gambling and unified regulation. However, it is clear that Kenya, seen by Curtis Roach as the tech hub of East Africa and potentially the entire continent, is committed to shaping a responsible and innovative gaming landscape.
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