A new Bill containing strict regulations to control the multi-billion-shilling gambling industry, including saving families from the agony of having a breadwinner blow away entire savings, is set to be debated in Parliament.

The Betting, Lotteries and Gaming (Amendment) Bill also seeks to limit the number of gaming premises in a certain location, bans advertising of gambling and imposes heavy fines against companies that allow minors to bet, in a bid to bring some sanity to the largely uncontrolled industry.

In an attempt to monitor the revenues of gaming companies, the Bill provides that all funds made from gambling be deposited in a bank account, apparently for taxation and to curb money laundering.

The Bill by Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo, provides for a family member to apply to the Kenya Betting Control and Licensing Authority to have an individual be marked as an “excluded person”, meaning the fellow is barred from gambling to ensure that he does not squander family resources.

The Bill tabled in the National Assembly last week, also states that some of the individuals for whom gambling may be restricted, unless they apply in writing to have the ban reconsidered, include those for whom the applicant has a duty to care, or “whose behaviour manifests symptoms of addictive or compulsive gaming”.