Counties accused of flouting betting rules

The betting board has accused some counties of installing illegal gaming machines, renewing a long running battle with the national government over control of the multi-billion shilling industry.

The new machines, according to the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), which regulates the industry, have been installed in a number of bars in Nairobi, Mombasa and Nakuru without its knowledge.

The board, which falls under the Ministry of Interior and Coordination, says this is illegal since it is the only organisation authorised to license and regulate the casinos and other forms of gambling.

“You are directed to mount a crackdown on all such operations within your county and keep this office posted,” says BLCB director Charles Wambia in a letter dated August 10.

The letter is addressed to county gaming officers in the three counties and four others, which also have casinos.

The counties include Kiambu, Kisumu, Malindi and Uasin Gishu.

At present, the function of betting has been devolved to counties as required by the law.

But a disagreement over roles the two levels of government should play in licensing players in the sector has delayed the transfer.

The Transitional Authority had to form an Interagency Technical Committee to seek a solution on the dispute.

However, the team resolved that before the matter is fully settled, the national government continues to license and regulate casinos and other forms of gambling while counties carry out supervisory role.

Counties were also allowed to license business premises for national lotteries and issuing of pool table permits within their areas of jurisdiction.

Licensing of casinos is a multi-billion shilling industry, which counties like Nairobi, target to increase revenue collection.