The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has ordered the suspension of all gambling advertisements and testimonials across all media platforms for thirty days, effective immediately.
In a statement on Tuesday, April 29, BCLB chairperson Jane Mwikali said that the suspension will ensure strict compliance with all applicable legislative and regulatory frameworks governing gambling and related advertising in Kenya.
According to Mwikali, the directive follows concerns on the rampant airing of gambling adverts during the watershed period (5.00 am to 10.00 pm), exposing vulnerable members of the public, especially minors, who risk being drawn into addiction.
“The Government has noted, with grave concern, the proliferation of gambling activities across the country. Some gambling promoters are increasingly mischaracterising gambling as a legitimate investment opportunity and a shortcut to wealth creation. The erroneous depiction occasions socioeconomic consequences, with devastating effects on individuals, families, and the broader community.”
“In view of these occurrences, 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,” said BCLB.
This directive applies to all licensed operators and covers all forms of advertisement and promotional activity, including but not limited to: Television and radio advertisements; social media platforms, print media (newspapers, magazines, flyers), outdoor advertising (billboards, branded transport), SMS, email campaigns, and push notifications, celebrity endorsements and influencer marketing.
They are required to submit gambling advertisements to the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) for review, and issuance of a certificate of approval and filming license per the Film and Stage Plays Act (Chapter 222, Laws of Kenya).
Further, they are to ensure strict compliance with all applicable legislative and regulatory frameworks governing gambling and related advertising in Kenya.
The Board has further 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 government has also constituted a multi-agency team tasked with coming up with intervention measures, policy recommendations, and enforcement mechanisms to promote responsible gambling practices countrywide.
The team consists of representatives from the Ministry of Interior, Office of the Attorney General, Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Kenya Film Classification Board, Media Council of Kenya (MCK), Financial Reporting Centre and the Betting Control and Licensing Board.
The directive follows concerns by the public about the rise in betting games, affecting all generations, both young and old.
