Kenyan lawmakers are working on a new legislation that intends banning the use of a mobile phone to place a bet online.
According to Business Daily Africa reporting, the bill still under discussion wants to restrict online gaming using the mobile phone.
The bill reads in part that “A person in Kenya may not use a telecommunication platform for purposes of playing online games which include betting, lottery, casino games or any platform for other forms of online gaming.”
The new bill is proposing a fine of up $20,000 (Sh2 million) or a maximum jail term of two years for offenders of the law.
The law according to government officials is meant to curb the rate of gambling or betting in Kenya especially among young people.
Gaming Bill is hoping to also increase the penalty $50,000 (Sh50 million) if the culprit is a company.
Currently in Kenya telecom platforms are used to place bets through the mobile phones with users not requiring bank account.
Sports-betting has become so rampant in Kenya raking in extra cash for patrons.
The locals are however passionate about sports, and this passion is boosted by placing bets on bookies like Betway.
90% of the best bets placed on long-distance running are usually on Kenyan runners.
Many African countries are however concerned about the rate at which young people engage in betting or gambling online.
These countries have been devising ways of dealing with the problem but encouraging companies involved to restrict it to adults.
Source: Africafeeds.com
