Responsible Gambling: Keeping Betting under Control

Updated: 3 November 2026

Betting is a form of entertainment that costs money. It is not a way to earn a living, pay off debts or solve money problems, and every bet can be lost. For most people it stays a small part of life. For some, it slowly takes more time, more money and more space in their thoughts than they ever planned.

If you are reading this because you are worried about yourself or someone close to you, that is a good first step. This page explains simple habits that help, the warning signs of a problem, the tools you can use today, and where to find help in Kenya. There is no judgement here: problems with gambling can happen to anyone, and help is available.

Gambling is for adults aged 18 and over only.

Simple habits that help

1. Set a budget before you start. Decide how much you can spend in a week or a month without touching money for food, rent, school fees, transport or loan repayments. When it is gone, stop.
2. Never borrow to gamble. Do not use mobile loans, overdraft services on your mobile money line, loans from friends, or money meant for your family, to bet.
3. Do not chase losses. After a loss, the urge to win it back with a bigger bet is strong. That is how small losses become big ones.
4. Set a time limit. Take breaks, and do not bet late at night, when you are angry, sad or stressed, or after drinking.
5. Do not trust promises. There are no “sure” tips, no fixed matches for sale and no app that predicts results. Our guide to odds explains why the bookmaker comes out ahead over time.

Signs that betting is becoming a problem

Ask yourself honestly:

• Do you bet more money, or for longer, than you planned?
• Do you borrow money, take mobile loans or sell things to bet?
• Do you hide your betting from your family or friends?
• Do you think about betting most of the day, even at work or school?
• Do you bet more to win back what you lost?
• Do you feel anxious, irritable or low when you are not betting?
• Have you missed bills, rent or school fees because of betting?
• Have you tried to cut down and found that you could not?

If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, it is worth acting now, while it is easier. You do not have to wait until things get worse.

Practical tools you can use

Deposit limits

Most betting accounts have a section for limits, often under account settings or a “responsible gambling” menu. A deposit limit caps how much you can put in per day, week or month. Set it low. Depending on the operator, raising a limit may take longer to apply than lowering it.

Time limits and reminders

Some operators let you set a session limit or a reminder that shows how long you have been playing. Your phone can help too: most phones let you set a daily time limit for any app.

Time-outs

A time-out blocks your account for a short period, for example a day, a week or a few weeks. It is useful when you feel you are losing control, or around payday.

Self-exclusion with an operator

You can ask an operator to close or block your account for a longer period. Ask its customer service if you cannot find the option in your account.

Self-exclusion through the GRA

The Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) runs a self-exclusion process:

• Operators bar you for a set period, typically 6 months to 5 years.
• The bar covers premises, websites and apps.
• There is no early exit: the period runs in full, which is what makes it work.
• You need ID and proof of address.
• You start at the GRA office or by email, as shown on the GRA self-exclusion page.

For questions, call the GRA toll-free line, 0800 723 770 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm).

Blocking apps and sites

• Uninstall betting apps and log out of betting sites in your browser.
• Delete saved passwords for betting accounts from your phone and browser.
• Use the content-blocking or parental control settings on your phone to block betting sites and apps.
• Switch off betting notifications and opt out of marketing SMS and emails in your account settings.

Removing saved M-Pesa details

• Remove saved betting paybill numbers from your M-Pesa favourites or saved list.
• Remove saved payment details from your betting accounts.
• Keep your M-Pesa PIN private, and never share an OTP with anyone. Safaricom never asks for your PIN.

Every small step that makes betting slower and less automatic gives you a moment to think. For more on phone safety, see our guide to betting apps.

Money and debt

Never borrow money or use mobile loans, such as overdraft services, to gamble. Borrowed money has to be paid back whatever the result of the bet, and loan costs make every loss bigger.

If betting has already left you in debt:

• Stop betting first, so the debt does not grow. Self-exclusion and blocking tools help here.
• Do not take a new loan to pay a betting debt or to try to win the money back.
• Talk to your lenders early. Explaining your situation before payments are missed is usually easier than after.
• Make a list of everything you owe, to whom and when, so you can see the whole picture.
• Ask someone you trust to help you plan, or to help manage your money for a while.

Talking to family and friends

Talking about betting can feel hard, especially if you have kept it secret. But people who care about you would usually rather know and help.

• Choose a calm moment and a person you trust.
• Be honest about how much and how often, even if it is uncomfortable.
• Say what kind of help you want: someone to listen, help with money, or help with blocking tools.

If you are worried about someone else: listen without shouting or blaming, avoid lending money for “one last bet”, and help with practical steps such as limits and self-exclusion. Look after yourself too: you can ask for support even if the person you are worried about is not ready.

Where to get help in Kenya

• GRA toll-free line: 0800 723 770. Customer support and gaming enquiries, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
• GRA self-exclusion: gra.go.ke/self-exclusion-process.
• NACADA helpline 1192: free 24-hour counselling and referral line run by NACADA; it deals mainly with alcohol and drugs, and can refer you to treatment services.
• Health services: a doctor or a mental health worker at a health facility near you can help. Problems with gambling are a health issue, and they can be treated.
• Family and friends: talking to someone you trust is often the most important first step.

For parents

Children and young people under 18 are not allowed to gamble. Do not leave a phone with a betting account or a saved M-Pesa PIN in a child’s hands, and use the parental control settings on phones and computers to block betting sites and apps. Talk to teenagers about betting adverts and “sure tips” on social media: nothing about betting is a safe way to make money.

Frequently asked questions

What is responsible gambling? Keeping betting within limits you set in advance for money and time, and stopping when it stops being fun or starts causing problems.

Can I cancel GRA self-exclusion early? No. There is no early exit, which is what makes self-exclusion a strong tool.

Is NACADA 1192 a gambling helpline? No. It is a free 24-hour counselling and referral line run by NACADA; it deals mainly with alcohol and drugs, and can refer you to treatment services.

Is it too late to get help? No. It is never too late to stop, and you do not have to do it alone.