The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has announced a crackdown on betting and gambling companies that operate against the set gaming regulations.
DCI, in a statement issued on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, reiterated its commitment to fostering a responsible gaming environment that protects our citizens from exploitation.
The anti-crime agency said it was taking decisive measures to support the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) in strengthening its oversight role and ensuring that all gaming operators comply with stringent gaming regulations.
It further vowed to take stern action against operators who violate the set regulations, including those involved in illegal betting syndicates or those operating unauthorised online and physical platforms to evade regulatory scrutiny.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) reiterates its commitment to fostering a responsible gaming environment that protects our citizens from exploitation. To this end, we are taking decisive measures to support the Betting Control and Licensing Board in strengthening its oversight role and ensuring that all gaming operators comply with stringent gaming regulations. We will take stern action against operators who violate these regulations, including those involved in illegal betting syndicates or those operating unauthorised online and physical platforms to evade regulatory scrutiny,” the DCI stated.
Ethical gaming
Gaming companies have also been urged to adopt responsible practices that promote ethical gaming, with the Association of Gaming Operators Kenya (AGOK) being encouraged to intensify its initiatives aimed at consumer protection.
“Furthermore, we strongly urge gaming companies to adopt responsible practices that promote ethical gaming rather than fostering a culture of reckless betting. The Association of Gaming Operators Kenya (AGOK) is encouraged to intensify its initiatives aimed at consumer protection by championing awareness campaigns that educate the public about the risks associated with irresponsible gambling,” the statement read.
“The DCI reassures the public of our steadfast commitment to maintaining law and order. Additionally, we will rigorously enforce the government’s recent directive to suspend all gambling advertisements. We also urge social media influencers and bloggers to abstain from promoting betting through sponsored posts and endorsements.”
Betting advertisements suspended
This comes just hours after BCLB ordered the immediate suspension of all gambling advertisements across Kenyan media for a period of 30 days.
BCLB cited a surge in misleading promotion of betting as a legitimate investment avenue and the exposure of minors to gambling content.
“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,” BCLB Chairperson Jane Mwikali Makau stated.