Betting firms want proposed Bill amended

Betting firms want a Parliamentary committee to introduce drastic changes to a Bill seeking to regulate the industry terming it as ‘fundamentally flawed’.

The Association of Gaming Operators – Kenya (AGOK) on Wednesday, February 15 asked the Committee on Labour and Social Welfare to amend the Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Amendment Bill, 2016 to expunge offensive clauses.

The contentious Bill seeks to create a cap for specific operating hours for betting, gaming and lotteries to be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 am, a move the operators argue is impractical.

The association said that contrary to public perceptions and those of the committee, they are overburdened by a high tax regime and they need protective laws.

AGOK faulted the drafter of the Bill, Gem MP, Jakoyo Midiwo, for failing to seek the input of all stakeholders before publishing it contrary to law making procedures.

“We feel that we should have been consulted in the drafting stage of this Bill. This Bill lacks fundamentals, it is flawed and does not follow the industry’s best practices,” said AGOK chairman, Ronald Karauri. 

Karauri, who is also the CEO of leading sport betting firm, Sportpesa, was speaking when the association, which is critical of the proposed law currently on Second Reading in the National Assembly, appeared before the panel collecting public views on the Bill.

“Had we been consulted, this Bill could have had less debate than we have seen,” noted Karauri.

AGOK, however, supported the creation of an independent authority as proposed with expanded membership from industry operators.

The lobby dismissed claims that operators are working in cahoots with the Betting and Licensing Board at the expense of the interest of Kenyans.

The board, which is the industry regulator, has been blamed for failing to properly supervise the lucrative sector. The Association told MPs that the industry would collapse if some of the contentious clauses in the bill are not amended.

“We want the Bill differed to give room for amendments after proper consultations,” said Karauri.