Kenya’s Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has ordered an immediate 30-day suspension of all gambling advertisements across all media platforms, effective today. The decision comes as the government expresses “grave concern” over the proliferation of gambling activities throughout the country.
The suspension, announced by BCLB Chairperson Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau, covers a wide range of advertising channels, including television, radio, social media, print media, outdoor advertising, SMS campaigns, and celebrity endorsements. The directive affects all licensed gambling operators in the country.
According to the BCLB statement, gambling promoters have increasingly mischaracterized gambling as “a legitimate investment opportunity and a shortcut to wealth creation,” leading to adverse socioeconomic consequences.
The board specifically highlighted concerns about gambling advertisements being aired during watershed hours (5:00 am to 10:00 pm), potentially exposing minors to gambling content.
During the suspension period, all gambling operators must submit their advertisements to the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) for examination and approval before they can be used. They must also implement comprehensive measures to promote responsible gambling practices as required by their licensing conditions.
To strengthen regulatory oversight, the government has formed a Multi-Agency Enforcement Team to develop strategic interventions and enforcement mechanisms promoting responsible gambling.
The team includes representatives from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Office of the Attorney General, Communications Authority of Kenya, Kenya Revenue Authority, Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Kenya Film Classification Board, Media Council of Kenya, Financial Reporting Centre, and the BCLB itself.
The BCLB has urged the National Assembly to expedite the enactment of the Gambling Control Bill to enhance the regulator’s enforcement powers. Additionally, the Communications Authority has been tasked with blocking foreign unlicensed gambling websites operating in Kenya.
This action is the latest attempt by Kenyan authorities to regulate the rapidly growing gambling industry. Previous studies have shown increasing gambling participation among Kenyan youth, with mobile betting platforms making gambling more accessible than ever before.
Aviator, in particular, has been on the receiving end of gambling critics after multiple reports revealed that many Kenyan youth have become addicted to gambling on the platform. In extreme cases, those who have lost huge amounts to the game have fallen into depression, and some have resorted to suicide.
Industry analysts suggest the advertising ban could significantly impact revenues for both gambling companies and media outlets that have come to rely on gambling advertising income. Several major betting companies operating in Kenya, which sponsor various sports teams and events, will need to reconsider their marketing strategies during the suspension period.
Consumer protection advocates have welcomed the move, citing gambling addiction as a growing public health concern. However, some industry stakeholders argue that regulated advertising helps distinguish legal operators from unregulated ones, potentially driving users toward illegal platforms.
