The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has ordered the immediate suspension of all gambling advertisements across Kenyan media for a period of 30 days, citing a surge in misleading promotion of betting as a legitimate investment avenue and the exposure of minors to gambling content.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, BCLB Chairperson Jane Mwikali Makau highlighted that this directive applies to all licensed operators and encompasses advertising across television, radio, social media, print, outdoor billboards, SMS campaigns, and influencer marketing.
“The government has noted, with grave concern, the proliferation of gambling activities across the country. Some promoters are mischaracterising gambling as a shortcut to wealth creation. The erroneous depiction occasions adverse socioeconomic consequences, with devastating effects on individuals, families, and the broader community,” Makau stated.
A particular point of concern, the board said, was the rampant airing of gambling advertisements during the watershed period (5:00 am to 10:00 pm), exposing children and other vulnerable groups to gambling-related addiction.
“In view of these occurrences, and 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,” she announced.
Directives
The suspension further requires all operators to submit their advertisements to the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) for review and approval in line with the Film and Stage Plays Act.
Operators are also expected to ensure full compliance with all existing legal frameworks and implement stronger responsible gambling measures.
“During this period of suspension, all licensed gambling operators and promoters shall implement comprehensive measures to promote responsible gambling practices, as per the licensing and operating conditions issued by BCLB,” she added.
Regulatory measures
To reinforce enforcement, BCLB announced the creation of a new Multi-Agency Enforcement Team.
This team will include representatives from the Ministry of Interior, the Office of the Attorney General, the Communications Authority of Kenya, the Kenya Revenue Authority, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), KFCB, and the Media Council of Kenya, among others.
“The Team is mandated to formulate strategic interventions, policy recommendations, and enforcement mechanisms to advance responsible gambling practices across the country,” the board stated.
The regulator also urged the National Assembly to expedite the enactment of the Gambling Control Bill, which will strengthen its enforcement and supervisory powers.
Additionally, the Communications Authority of Kenya has been requested to block and deactivate all foreign unlicensed gambling websites operating in the country.
“The Government remains firmly committed to safeguarding public welfare, protecting the youth, promoting social responsibility, and restoring integrity within Kenya’s gambling sector,” Makau concluded.
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