What is a gambling equipment testing licence in Kenya?
A gambling equipment testing licence is the Gambling Regulatory Authority licence that allows a company to test gambling equipment, such as machines, software and random number generators, as a service. It is a separate licence from operating a casino or online platform. Licensed testers are the independent check on whether a game behaves as declared.
Definition
Under section 28(2)(l) of the Gambling Control Act, 2025, "gambling equipment testing" is one of the categories of licence the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) issues. The Act defines a "testing agent" as a person licensed to test and calibrate gambling machines, equipment or devices.
"Gambling equipment" is defined broadly: software, devices, chips, tokens, dice and gambling tables, and it expressly includes online gambling machines and electronic monitoring systems. A tester's work can therefore cover both physical casino hardware and online game software.
What an applicant must show
Regulation 14 of the Gambling Control (Licensing) Regulations, 2026 requires an application on Form 11, with the application fee, a Tax Compliance Certificate and PIN certificate from the Kenya Revenue Authority, the declarations required by the Act, and evidence of anti-money laundering compliance.
Form 11 asks the laboratory to state its scope, for example random number generator evaluation, game logic and maths verification, hardware integrity, payout percentage verification and software security audits. It also asks for testing standards used, any independent accreditation (ISO/IEC 17025 is given as an example) and a policy on conflicts of interest.
Why it matters to a player
Regulation 45(2) of the Conduct of Gambling Operations Regulations, 2026 says the random number generator for games of chance must be certified by the Authority or its approved agent. A licensed tester is the kind of body that does this work, as the guide to how RNG testing and certification work in Kenya explains.
A certificate shows the game matches its declared rules and return. It does not change the house edge, which the guide to RTP and house edge covers. Gambling is addictive: play responsibly, and set limits you can afford.
Fees and duration
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Application fee | KES 100,000 |
| Annual licence fee | KES 500,000 |
| Duration, new licence | 1 year |
| Duration, renewal | 1 year |
Questions and answers
Is a testing licence the same as an operator licence?
No. Section 28(2) of the Gambling Control Act, 2025 lists gambling equipment testing as its own licence category, separate from online gambling, public gambling and bookmaking. A tester is not licensed to run games for players.
How long does a testing licence last?
The Fourth Schedule to the Gambling Control (Licensing) Regulations, 2026 gives gambling equipment testing a duration of 1 year for a new licence and 1 year for a renewal.
What does a testing licence cost?
The Second Schedule to the Licensing Regulations, 2026 sets an application fee of KES 100,000 and an annual licence fee of KES 500,000 for gambling equipment testing. These fees fall on the testing company, not on players.
Sources
- Gambling Control Act, 2025 (No. 14 of 2025), section 2 and section 28(2), accessed 2026-10-05
- Gambling Control (Licensing) Regulations, 2026 (L.N. 111), regulation 14, Form 11, Second and Fourth Schedules, accessed 2026-10-05
- Gambling Control (Conduct of Gambling Operations) Regulations, 2026 (L.N. 112), regulation 45, accessed 2026-10-05