Get a casino (public gambling) licence from GRA
Gambling Regulatory Authority · sources read 3 Oct 2026
Apply to the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) on Form 1 as a company at least 30% owned by Kenyans, with the application fee (KSh 2.5 million land-based, KSh 5 million online) and proof of KSh 100 million gambling capital. GRA decides within 30 days, and on approval you pay the licence fee and deposit a security.
- Fee
- KSh 2,500,000Land-based casino: application feeKSh 5,000,000Land-based casino: licence fee (on approval)KSh 5,000,000Online casino: application feeKSh 50,000,000Online casino: licence fee (on approval)
- How long
- Decided within 30 days of GRA receiving the application
- Where
- Gambling Regulatory Authority, ACK Gardens Annex, Bishop Road, 1st Ngong Avenue, Nairobi; GRA Gambling Management System (operator.gra.go.ke)
What you need
- Valid KRA Tax Compliance Certificate and PIN certificate
- Proposed floor plan of the casino premises
- Proposed list of gambling machines and tables
- Certification of slot machines, with manufacturer details and serial numbers
- Proof of real-time monitoring access and server information
- Anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing policies, procedures and staff training records
Steps
- Fill in Form 1 (public gambling: table games and slot machines) and attach the required documents and proof of gambling capital.
- Submit with the application fee. GRA reviews it and gets back to you within 14 days.
- GRA inspects your premises to check security, systems and suitability.
- If approved, pay the licence fee and deposit the security (KSh 20 million for casinos) with GRA to get your licence.
Watch out
- A casino licence lasts 3 years, and renewals are also for 3 years.
- A single bet on a casino machine must be at least KSh 20.
- If GRA turns you down, you have 14 days to appeal to the Gambling Appeals Tribunal.
Who can apply
- A company in which at least 30% of shares are held by Kenyan citizens.
- It must keep an account with a bank registered in Kenya for all its gambling money.
- Gambling capital of KSh 100 million, for land-based or online casinos.
Official sources (3)
- The Gambling Control (Licensing) Regulations, 2026 (L.N. 111) gra.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- Gambling Control Act, 2025 gra.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- Online services gra.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026