Government suspends all gambling advertisements for 30 days

In a sweeping move to rein in the growing influence of gambling, the Kenyan government has suspended all gambling-related advertisements across the country for a period of thirty days.

The directive, issued by the Betting Control and Licensing Board, takes immediate effect and aims to protect vulnerable populations, especially the youth, from the negative consequences of gambling.

The board raised alarm over what it described as the increasing portrayal of gambling as a quick path to wealth, warning that such messaging is misleading and harmful.

It says many promoters are packaging gambling as a viable investment option, contributing to rising addiction levels and social distress.

The suspension applies to all forms of advertising, including television and radio commercials, social media campaigns, print publications, billboards, SMS promotions, and influencer content.

"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," said a statement signed by BCLB Chairperson Jane Mwikali Makau.

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

As part of the directive, all gambling advertisements must now be submitted to the Kenya Film Classification Board for approval under existing media and film laws.

The Betting Control Board is also pushing for the urgent enactment of the Gambling Control Bill to strengthen regulatory oversight and enforcement.

Additionally, the government has unveiled a Multi-Agency Enforcement Team to coordinate the crackdown and develop long-term strategies for responsible gambling.

The taskforce brings together key agencies including the Interior Ministry, the Attorney General’s office, the Communications Authority, Kenya Revenue Authority, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, among others.

The team’s mandate includes policy development, monitoring, and shutting down unlicensed gambling websites operating within Kenya’s jurisdiction.

The board has called on the Communications Authority to take immediate action to block these illegal platforms.

Meanwhile, the Media Council of Kenya has been urged to expedite the rollout of new broadcasting guidelines following a recent court ruling that nullified previous codes.

BCLB also appealed to all stakeholders, media houses, digital platforms, telecommunications firms, and the general public to support the enforcement of these measures.

"The Government remains firmly committed to safeguarding public welfare, protecting the youth, promoting social responsibility, and restoring integrity within Kenya’s gambling sector," concluded the statement.