A recent survey found that the average Kenyan punter spends Ksh 1,825 on gambling. The 2024 Finaccess Household Survey aimed to assess gambling expenditures across various demographics.
It revealed that urban dwellers spend more on gambling, averaging Ksh 2,125, compared to rural residents, who spend about Ksh 1,481. Additionally, males invest more in betting, with an average spend of Ksh 1,876, while females average Ksh 1,623.
The report indicates a notable trend: younger, urban, and educated individuals are increasingly viewing gambling as a potential source of income, likely driven by optimism or the allure of financial opportunities.
The survey highlighted that 11.2 percent of respondents are actively engaged in betting, with a higher participation rate among urban residents (14.4 percent) compared to their rural counterparts (8.9 percent). Young males aged 26 to 35 represented the largest group of bettors at 15.2 percent, closely followed by those aged 18 to 25 at 14.3 percent.
When examining perceptions of gambling as a potential income source, 10.9 percent of respondents viewed it favorably. Urban respondents showed a slightly elevated perception at 11.9 percent compared to 10.1 percent in rural areas. Males had a more positive outlook (13.7 percent) than females (8.2 percent). Notably, the perception was highest among the 18-25 age group at 13.4 percent, with the 26-35 age group closely following at 12.7 percent.
