NAIROBI, Kenya – The government has taken a decisive step to address the mounting concerns over the growing proliferation of gambling in Kenya, particularly its portrayal as a quick path to wealth.
The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has announced a 30-day suspension on all gambling advertisements, effective immediately.
This suspension, which covers all forms of media including TV, radio, print, social media, and even celebrity endorsements, comes in response to the increasing vulnerability of minors and the general public to gambling-related addictions.
The suspension is part of a broader government strategy to curb the negative socio-economic impact of gambling, which has been associated with devastating effects on individuals, families, and communities at large.
The BCLB’s decision to halt gambling ads during the critical “watershed period” of 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM aims to protect vulnerable audiences, especially minors, from being exposed to gambling messages at times when they are most likely to be influenced.
In addition to the advertisement suspension, the BCLB has called for strict adherence to existing gambling regulations and the submission of all gambling ads to the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) for examination and approval.
This step is part of an ongoing effort to ensure that all advertisements and promotional activities comply with Kenya’s regulatory framework and promote responsible gambling practices.
To enhance enforcement and oversight of gambling practices, the BCLB has recommended several measures aimed at tightening regulation across the sector.
The National Assembly has been urged to expedite the enactment of the Gambling Control Bill to grant stronger powers to regulators, while the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has been tasked with finalizing guidelines to replace unconstitutional programming codes governing gambling content.
The government has also established a multi-agency enforcement team to address responsible gambling.
This team is composed of representatives from various key government entities, including the Ministry of Interior, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), among others.
Their mission is to develop strategic interventions, policy recommendations, and enforcement measures to safeguard the public and advance responsible gambling practices.
The suspension and the formation of the enforcement team come amidst growing public concern about the rising number of gambling-related issues, including addiction and financial instability, especially among youth.
The BCLB emphasized that the government is committed to restoring integrity to Kenya’s gambling sector while protecting the public from exploitation and harmful practices.
In addition to the crackdown on gambling advertisements, the BCLB has urged the public to report any illegal gambling activities to the authorities, with the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) tasked with blocking unlicensed foreign gambling websites operating in Kenya.
