Betting firms face criminal charges as DCI tightens crackdown

Betting companies operating outside the law are now at risk of being prosecuted, after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced a tough crackdown targeting illegal betting platforms and advertisements.

The DCI has warned it will take legal action against any gambling operator found to be violating existing rules or promoting irresponsible betting practices.

In a statement on Tuesday, the DCI raised concerns over the growing number of betting-related activities, especially those targeting young people.

The directorate noted that the increased use of mobile money and online loans had made betting more accessible, worsening the impact on vulnerable groups.

The DCI described the current state as "a worrying surge in betting activities," and said that aggressive advertising had flooded media platforms and led to harmful habits among the youth.

"These persistent advertisements often entrap individuals with limited financial resources, leading them to ‘invest’ in these schemes, and result in others dedicating excessive amounts of time and money, ultimately compromising their capacity to engage in meaningful and productive endeavours," the DCI stated.

The agency made it clear that it will not tolerate violations of the law and pledged to back the Betting Control and Licensing Board in its work. It said operators using unauthorised websites or physical spaces to avoid regulation will be pursued.

"To this end, we are taking decisive measures to support the Betting Control and Licensing Board in strengthening its oversight role and ensuring that all gaming operators comply with stringent gaming regulations," the statement read.

The DCI said that it will not hesitate to take strong legal action against those operating illegal betting businesses or breaking advertising rules.

"We will take stern action against operators who violate these regulations, including those involved in illegal betting syndicates or those operating unauthorised online and physical platforms to evade regulatory scrutiny," it added.

It also encouraged licensed gaming companies to promote responsible behaviour and to avoid encouraging reckless betting through their advertisements or operations.

It challenged the Association of Gaming Operators - Kenya (AGOK) to increase its public awareness efforts and protect consumers from being misled.

"The Association of Gaming Operators - Kenya (AGOK) is encouraged to intensify its initiatives aimed at consumer protection by championing awareness campaigns that educate the public about the risks associated with irresponsible gambling," the DCI said.

As part of the wider campaign, the agency committed to enforcing a government directive suspending all gambling advertisements. It also told online content creators to stop working with betting companies to push promotional content.

"We also urge social media influencers and bloggers to abstain from promoting betting through sponsored posts and endorsements," the DCI said.

To those still tempted by the hope of fast money, the DCI sent a reminder that long-term success cannot be achieved through gambling.

"To the youth and vulnerable groups tempted by the allure of quick wins, we wish to emphasise that your future holds far greater value than the pursuit of fleeting gains through betting," it said.

The DCI concluded by saying it will continue working to protect the public and asked all players in the betting industry to follow the law and support efforts to create a safer and more responsible environment for all