BC.Game, through its subsidiary Blockdance Africa, has successfully obtained a public gaming license and an off-site gaming license from the Kenyan Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB). This "dual license" allows the company to legally operate in the regulated gaming market in Kenya, with the license valid until 2026.
This approval comes at a time when Kenya continues to consolidate its position as a gaming hub in Africa. The high penetration rate of smartphones in the country, coupled with the national enthusiasm for sports betting, makes it a significant target for international operators. Meanwhile, the BCLB has been strengthening its regulation in recent years, including increasing licensing fees, tightening advertising regulations, and enhancing player fund protection.
BC.Game states that the Kenyan market aligns with its strategy to expand its influence in Africa and is consistent with its commitment to compliant development. A company spokesperson noted: "Kenya has always been an important hub for the gaming culture in Africa. We are very excited to bring our platform here and look forward to actively participating in the local sports, technology, and cultural ecosystem."
It is noteworthy that the acquisition of the Kenyan license by BC.Game occurs against the backdrop of adjustments in its global compliance strategy. By the end of 2024, the company voluntarily withdrew its gaming license in Curacao due to outdated regulatory frameworks and insufficient legal protections, including significant loopholes in the bankruptcy law implemented since 1931.
Prior to November 2024, legal disputes erupted in Curacao: BC.Game's operating entity Blockdance BV and Small House BV were sued by players for losses due to system issues and were declared bankrupt by the local court. BC.Game subsequently denied the judgment, emphasizing that the case was within the scope of administrative litigation and reaffirmed that there were no risks regarding the company's liquidity and financial stability.
With this dual license in Kenya, BC.Game further demonstrates its "compliance-first" strategic direction globally after exiting the Curacao system.
