The gambling regulator has ordered a month-long suspension of all betting advertisements. Authorities are moving to stem what they regard as the dangerous spread of betting addiction. They are especially concerned about its impact on young people.
The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), part of the Executive Office of the President, recently raised concern. It said gambling promotions have increasingly misrepresented betting as a viable investment opportunity.
The new directive halts all forms of gambling marketing for 30 days, starting immediately. It affects television, radio, social media, print media, outdoor advertising, mobile campaigns, and celebrity endorsements.
The regulator is also calling on Parliament to fast-track the Gambling Control Bill. It would bolster its regulatory powers, and the CA to block foreign-operated gambling websites that lack proper licenses.
Jane Mwikali, Chairperson of the BCLB, signed the directive. She said the government remains firmly committed to safeguarding public welfare, protecting the youth, promoting social responsibility, and restoring integrity within Kenya’s gambling sector.
Licensed operators should submit future advertisements to the KFCB or Kenya Film Classification Board during the blackout for approval before they can resume promotions. The BCLB has compelled the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) to expedite the development of new programming guidelines after the courts declared the previous code unconstitutional.
The BCLB has highlighted the frequent airing of gambling ads during the watershed period between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. Heightening the risk of addiction, it has exposed minors to gambling at an early age.
Football remains the top betting choice, but the rise of Aviator has also boosted activity. Kenya now ranks third among the leading betting markets in Sub-Saharan Africa. Aviator is a fast-paced digital game magnifying concern.
Intense gambling habits have caused individuals to lose thousands of shillings in monthly wages or accumulate debt to fuel their addiction. This vice has brought despair to families and communities, leading to reduced incomes, financial misery, and even suicides.
