Government Suspends Gambling Advertisements

The Betting Control and Licensing Board has suspended gambling advertisements across all media platforms for 30 days, effective immediately.

BCLB Chair Jane Mwikali Makau, while suspending the advertisements, said the government has noted, with grave concern, the proliferation of gambling activities across the country.

The gambling activities affected include betting, gaming, lottery prize competitions, and all related promotional undertakings.

Mwikali said some gambling promoters are increasingly mischaracterising gambling as a legitimate investment opportunity and a shortcut to wealth creation.

This, she said, has occasioned adverse socioeconomic consequences, with devastating effects on individuals, families, and the broader community.

“Of particular concern is the rampant airing of gambling advertisements during the watershed period (5:00 am to 10:00 pm), thereby exposing vulnerable members of the population, particularly minors, who are gradually drawn into gambling-related addiction,” she said.
“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.

This directive applies to all licensed gambling operators and covers all forms of advertisement and promotional activity, including but not limited to: television and radio advertisements; social media platforms and print media (newspapers, magazines, flyers).

Others are outdoor advertising (billboards, branded transport, etc.); SMS, email campaigns, and push notifications; and Celebrity endorsements and influencer marketing.

During this period of suspension, all licensed gambling operators and promoters shall submit all gambling advertisements to the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) for examination, classification, and issuance of a certificate of approval and filming license.

They will also be required to ensure strict compliance with all applicable legislative and regulatory frameworks governing gambling and related advertising in Kenya.

“All licensed gambling operators and promoters should implement comprehensive measures to promote responsible gambling practices, as per the licensing and operating conditions issued by BCL,” Mwikali said.