Kenya Introduces 30-Day Ban on All Gambling Promotions
Kenya’s Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has issued a 30-day suspension on all gambling-related advertisements across every media platform, with immediate effect.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:Chair Jane Mwikali Makau announced the decision and explained that it was due to serious concern from the government over the widespread surge in gambling activities throughout the country.
The temporary ban will hit a wide range of gambling practices, including betting, gaming, lottery prize contests, and any associated promotional campaigns.
Operators Portraying Gambling as Investment Strategy
Mwikali said that some live online casinos have been increasingly portraying gambling as a viable investment strategy and a fast route to financial success. She noted that this portrayal has led to significant social and economic harm, with particularly damaging consequences for individuals, families, and society at large.
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.
In response to these issues, and under the authority granted by the Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act (Chapter 131, Laws of Kenya), BCLB has mandated an immediate, 30-day suspension of all gambling ads and endorsements on every media outlet.
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Blanket Ban on All Forms of Advertising
This restriction applies to all licensed operators and encompasses every form of advertising activity, including television, radio, social media, newspapers, magazines, flyers, and more.
Other affected channels include outdoor advertising such as billboards and branded vehicles, as well as digital outreach through SMS, email marketing, push alerts, celebrity endorsements, and influencer campaigns.
During the suspension period, licensed gambling operators must submit their advertisements to the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) for content review, classification, and licensing approval. Operators are also expected to fully adhere to all legal and regulatory standards governing gambling and advertising within the country and to promote responsible gambling practices.
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