The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has announced the suspension of all gambling advertisements for 30 days.
In a statement on Tuesday, April 29, BCLB said the directive applies to all licensed gambling operators and covers every form of media and promotional activity.
These include television, radio, social media, print media, outdoor advertising, SMS and email campaigns, as well as celebrity endorsements and influencer marketing.
“Pursuant to 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) days with effect from the date of this statement,” the statement read.
According to BCLB, during the suspension period, gambling operators are required to submit all advertisements to the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) for approval and licensing under the Film and Stage Plays Act.
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Additionally, they must ensure full compliance with all existing legislative and regulatory frameworks governing gambling and related advertising in the country.
Gambling operators are also required to implement measures to promote responsible gambling practices as per conditions issued by BCLB.
BCLB explained that the move follows growing concern by the government over the rising proliferation of gambling activities.
“Some gambling promoters are increasingly mischaracterizing gambling as a legitimate investment opportunity and a shortcut to wealth creation. The erroneous depiction occasions adverse socioeconomic consequences, with devastating effects on individuals, families, and the broader community.
"Of particular concern is the rampant airing of gambling advertisements during the watershed period (5:00 am to 10:00 pm), thereby exposing vulnerable members of the population, particularly minors, who are gradually drawn into gambling-related addiction. The gambling activities include betting, gaming, lottery prize competitions, and all related promotional undertakings," the statement added.
Additionally, BCLB said the government has constituted a multi-agency team tasked with formulating interventions, policy recommendations, and enforcement mechanisms to advance responsible gambling.
The team consists of representatives from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Office of the Attorney General, Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
Other representatives are from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Kenya Film Classification Board, Media Council of Kenya (MCK), Financial Reporting Centre, and BCLB.
