The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has ordered for the immediate suspension of all gambling advertisements and testimonials across all media platforms for a period of thirty days with effect from April 29, 2025.
BCLB said the Government has noted, with grave concern, the proliferation of gambling activities across the country.
It accused some gambling promoters of increasingly mischaracterizing gambling as a legitimate investment opportunity and a shortcut to wealth creation.
The Board said this erroneous depiction occasions adverse socioeconomic consequences, with devastating effects on individuals, families, and the broader community.
BCLB raised concerns about 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.
It clarified that gambling activities include betting, gaming, lottery prize competitions, and all related promotional undertakings.
“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 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,” BCLB said.
The suspension covers television and radio advertisements; social media platforms; and print media such as newspapers, magazines, and flyers.
It also applies to outdoor advertising—including billboards and branded transport—SMS, email campaigns, push notifications, celebrity endorsements, and influencer marketing.
Requirements from Gambling Operators During Suspension
During this period of suspension, all licensed gambling operators and promoters shall:
All gambling operators are required to submit all gambling advertisements to the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) for examination, classification, and issuance of a certificate of approval and filming license in accordance with the Film and Stage Plays Act (Chapter 222, Laws of Kenya).
Besides, they must ensure strict compliance with all applicable legislative and regulatory frameworks governing gambling and related advertising in Kenya.
Operators must also implement comprehensive measures to promote responsible gambling practices, as per the licensing and operating conditions issued by BCLB.
Also Read: What it Takes to Open and Operate a Betting Company in Kenya
Betting Control and Licensing Board Recommendations
Further, BCLB urged the National Assembly to expedite the enactment of the Gambling Control Bill to empower the sector regulator with enhanced enforcement and supervisory powers.
The Board requested the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) to finalize and operationalize new guidelines to replace the programming code declared unconstitutional, in full compliance with the court ruling.
Members of the public are encouraged to lodge formal complaints either directly with the BCLB or report to the nearest police station for immediate investigation and necessary action.
It also asked the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to undertake immediate measures to block and deactivate all foreign unlicensed gambling websites operating within the territory of the Republic of Kenya, in a bid to safeguard consumers and uphold the integrity of the sector.
Also Read: Govt Responds to Kenyans Spending Ksh 766 Billion on Betting
Multi-Agency Team
Further, the Government has constituted a Multi-Agency Enforcement Team mandated to formulate strategic interventions, policy recommendations, and enforcement mechanisms to advance responsible gambling practices across the country.
The Team consists of representatives from: Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Office of the Attorney General, CA, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), KFCB, MCK, Financial Reporting Centre, and BCLB.
It called upon all stakeholders and members of the general public, to fully comply with the directive in the national interest.
The Board reiterated the Government’s commitment to safeguarding public welfare, protecting the youth, promoting social responsibility, and restoring integrity within Kenya’s gambling sector.
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