Responsible gambling is one of the main and most important topics currently being worked on by the entire online entertainment industry. Efforts made under the framework of responsible gambling in Kenya aim to promote safe and controlled practices in this field. The goal is for gambling to bring positive emotions without compromising the quality of life or negatively affecting other areas of life.
In the article below, we present best practices that you, as a player, can follow to ensure the highest comfort and safety while playing. Additionally, we introduce institutions that can help you if you notice dangerous symptoms in yourself.
How to avoid gambling addiction
The growing accessibility of gambling platforms has sparked widespread discussions and concerns about the negative impact on other areas of life. Like any other addiction, gambling shows certain symptoms that are easy to identify, allowing you to respond at the right moment and seek help. The list of symptoms for a person addicted to gambling is long. Below, we present the 9 most common ones. Remember that even a single symptom you notice in yourself should encourage you to seek help.
- Constant need to gamble – the person has an incessant urge to play.
- Increasing amount of time spent gambling, often at the cost of other obligations.
- Neglecting duties and relationships.
- Taking on debt to continue gambling.
- Using gambling as an escape from daily problems.
- Lying about gambling habits.
- Emotional tension related to gambling.
- Desire to recover losses (the so-called “chasing losses”).
- It is also important not to be indifferent to symptoms appearing in friends and loved ones.
Overview of initiatives for responsible gambling
In Kenya, the Responsible Gambling Federation of Kenya plays a key role in promoting responsible gambling. This organization, established under the 2010 Competition Act (Competition Act No. 12 of 2010), focuses on education, raising public awareness, and protecting consumers’ rights in the gambling sector. In Kenya, there are actively operating:
- Educational programs, including school and community-based sessions, to raise awareness about the risks associated with gambling.
- Support services – free consultations for people affected by gambling issues are provided through the National Gambling Helpline.
- Consumer protection – the government ensures the enforcement of consumer rights in accordance with the Kenyan constitution.
What support options are available for gamblers struggling with addiction in Kenya
For individuals dealing with gambling-related problems, there are various resources and support programs available:
- The National Gambling Helpline – a free, anonymous service available by dialing 1199, offering support and counseling for those affected by gambling issues.
- Self-exclusion programs – these allow individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from access to gambling environments, including both online platforms and physical gaming locations.
- Blocking software – tools such as Gamban help users block access to gambling websites on their devices, reducing the temptation to play.
Institutions Supporting Responsible Gambling
In Kenya, several institutions actively support a responsible approach to gambling:
- The Responsible Gambling Federation of Kenya, which provides educational resources and operates a helpline for those in need of support.
- The Kenyan Red Cross, which actively collaborates with responsible gambling initiatives, offering help and support.
iGaming is one of the most dynamic sectors in Kenya, providing thousands of jobs, supporting local communities, and potentially leading to gambling addiction in some individuals. This complex issue requires strengthening efforts towards responsible approaches to this form of entertainment. Every player should remember that gambling can lead to addiction, and playing only within full control, and only on trusted and legal platforms, allows one to enjoy the excitement it brings without facing its negative consequences.