Responsible gaming at Shabiki Kenya

Shabiki Kenya is operated by PlayCo Technology Ltd under BCLB Licence BK00000671 and Public Gaming Licence PG0000428. Gambling is entertainment, not a way to solve financial problems. This page covers the self-management tools available on your account and the support organisations operating in Kenya that provide free, confidential assistance to anyone affected by gambling harm.

Warning signs of problem gambling

Recognising problematic behaviour early allows for timely intervention. The following patterns are commonly associated with gambling harm. Consider whether any apply to your betting activity:

  • Spending more than you can afford to lose on betting
  • Chasing losses by placing further bets to recover what was lost
  • Borrowing money from family, friends or financial institutions to fund gambling
  • Neglecting work, family or social commitments because of betting activity
  • Lying to others about the scale of your gambling or your losses
  • Feeling anxious, irritable or restless when trying to reduce betting
  • Using gambling to escape personal problems or negative emotions
  • Repeated unsuccessful attempts to control or stop gambling

If several of these apply to you or someone you know, professional support is available. The organisations listed in the next section are free and confidential.

Account tools for staying in control

Shabiki Kenya provides four self-management tools accessible through your account settings or by contacting customer support. All protective measures apply immediately when set to a lower limit; increases require a 24-hour cooling-off period before taking effect.

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Deposit limits

Set a maximum deposit amount per day, week or month. The system blocks further deposits once the limit is reached. Decreases apply immediately; increases activate after 24 hours.

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Loss limits

Cap the total amount you can lose within a set timeframe. Wagers are blocked once the loss limit is hit, protecting against severe financial damage during extended losing runs.

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Session reminders

Receive notifications after 30, 60 or 90 minutes of continuous play. Time can become distorted during active betting sessions; these prompts encourage regular breaks.

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Self-exclusion

Voluntarily close your account for 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, 5 years or permanently. During exclusion you cannot log in or register a new account. The process completes within 24 hours of the request and cannot be reversed before the chosen period ends.

Support organisations in Kenya

The following organisations provide free, confidential gambling support to Kenyan residents. All contacts below are available to players in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and across the country.

Responsible Gambling Kenya

The primary national organisation for gambling-related support. Services include a 24/7 emergency helpline, individual counselling, family support and community education.

  • Emergency helpline: 0705 825 637 (24/7, confidential)
  • Toll-free line: 1199
  • Website: responsiblegambling.or.ke

GamHelp Kenya

East Africa Centre for Mental Health Services, specialising in gambling addiction treatment. Offers professional counselling, self-assessment tools and structured recovery programmes.

  • Toll-free helpline: 0800 000 023 (24/7)
  • General support: +254 791 473 504
  • Website: gamhelpkenya.com

GamAware Kenya

Provides counselling services and support groups across Kenya. Focus on awareness campaigns and self-help strategies for individuals and families affected by gambling harm.

  • Support line: 0773 828 328
  • Services: Individual counselling, family therapy, support groups

Gamblers Anonymous Kenya

A peer-led 12-step recovery programme with regular meetings in Nairobi and Murang'a. Members who have experienced gambling addiction provide guidance through shared experience.

  • Meeting locations: Nairobi, Murang'a
  • Approach: 12-step peer support, no professional therapists

Underage gambling prevention

Kenyan law prohibits gambling by anyone under 18 years of age. Shabiki Kenya enforces age verification at registration — all new accounts must submit a valid national ID or passport before any deposit or bet is accepted. Accounts confirmed to belong to a person under 18 are closed immediately and any funds held are forfeited in line with BCLB requirements.

Parents and guardians should monitor children's internet use and set parental controls on shared devices to block access to gambling websites. Educational conversations about the risks of betting before young people reach legal age help build healthier long-term attitudes toward gambling.