The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has imposed a 30-day ban on gambling advertisements due to growing concerns over addiction, particularly among young people.
In a statement, BCLB chairperson Dr Jane Mwikali Makau expressed serious concern over the proliferation of gambling activities across the country.
“Some gambling promoters are increasingly misrepresenting gambling as a legitimate investment opportunity and a shortcut to wealth creation. This misleading portrayal results in significant socioeconomic consequences, with devastating effects on individuals, families, and the wider community,” she stated.
A primary concern, according to Dr Makau, is the widespread broadcasting of gambling advertisements during the watershed period (5:00 am to 10:00 pm), which exposes vulnerable individuals, especially minors, to gambling-related addiction.
The activities covered under this directive include betting, gaming, lottery prize competitions, and all related promotional activities.
“In light of these developments, and in accordance with its statutory mandate under the Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act (Chapter 131, Laws of Kenya), the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) hereby orders the immediate suspension of all gambling advertisements and testimonials across all media platforms for a period of thirty (30) years, effective from the date of this statement,” she added.
The directive applies to all licensed gambling operators and includes all forms of advertising and promotional activities, such as television and radio commercials, social media platforms, print media (newspapers, magazines, flyers), outdoor advertising (billboards, branded transport, etc.), SMS and email campaigns, push notifications, and celebrity endorsements.
During this suspension, all licensed gambling operators and promoters must submit their advertisements to the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) for review, classification, and the issuance of a certificate of approval, in compliance with the Film and Stage Plays Act (Chapter 222, Laws of Kenya). They must also ensure strict adherence to all relevant legislation and regulatory frameworks governing gambling and advertising in Kenya and implement measures to promote responsible gambling practices, as per the conditions set by BCLB.
To enhance regulatory oversight, BCLB has urged the National Assembly to fast-track the enactment of the Gambling Control Bill to provide the sector regulator with enhanced enforcement and supervisory powers. The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has also been tasked with finalising and operationalising new guidelines to replace the unconstitutional programming code, in full compliance with the court ruling.
The public has been encouraged to file formal complaints either directly with BCLB or at the nearest police station for immediate investigation and action.
In addition, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has been called upon to take immediate steps to block and deactivate all foreign, unlicensed gambling websites operating within Kenya to safeguard consumers and uphold the integrity of the sector.
Simultaneously, Dr Makau announced that the government has formed a Multi-Agency Enforcement Team to develop strategic interventions, policy recommendations, and enforcement mechanisms to promote responsible gambling practices across the country.
The team comprises representatives from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration; the Office of the Attorney General; the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA); the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA); the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI); the Kenya Film Classification Board; the Media Council of Kenya (MCK); the Financial Reporting Centre; and the Betting Control and Licensing Board.
“BCLB calls upon all stakeholders, including but not limited to betting companies, media houses, digital platforms, telecommunication service providers, and the general public, to fully comply with this directive in the national interest,” Dr Makau further stated.
She emphasised the government’s commitment to safeguarding public welfare, protecting the youth, promoting social responsibility, and restoring integrity within Kenya’s gambling sector.
Recent reports indicate that Kenyans wagered over Ksh 30 billion in a single month last year, translating to more than Ksh 360 billion annually.
The betting frenzy has been blamed for a rise in mental health issues among gamblers, leading to family breakdowns, addiction, depression, unmanageable debt, increased crime, and suicides.
