Nairobi, July 8 -- Betting firms that entice addicted punters who have sought to be barred from gambling risk having their licences revoked under new regulations aimed at curbing the country's gambling craze.

The newly published regulations require betting firms to establish automated systems that reject deposits made by self-excluded punters throughout the exclusion period. The firms are also prohibited from sending promotional betting messages to gamblers who have opted for self-exclusion.

Under the Gambling Control (Conduct of Gambling Operations) Regulations, 2026, punters will be allowed to apply for self-exclusion for a minimum of six months. The exclusion period cannot be revoked or shortened before it expires.

In many developed...