New regulations gazetted on June 30, known as the Gambling Control (Conduct of Gambling Operations) Regulations 2026, grant Kenyan betting firms and families unprecedented powers to curb gambling addiction. Under these rules, licensed operators can freeze accounts of individuals showing signs of financial distress or compulsive behavior. Additionally, family members can now petition the Gaming Regulatory Authority of Kenya (GRAK) to bar relatives whose gambling threatens family welfare or financial stability. This shift moves Kenya away from a system based solely on self-exclusion toward a third-party intervention model used in countries like Belgium and Singapore. These measures aim to address the widespread gambling craze in Kenya, where high unemployment and smartphone access drive significant spending. The government seeks to mitigate the social and financial risks posed by the industry while maintaining a robust tax framework on operators and punters.