Kenya’s gambling regulator on Tuesday imposed a 30-day suspension on all gambling advertisements across media platforms, citing rising rates of addiction and concerns over youth exposure.
The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) said the ban, effective immediately, applies to all forms of advertising by licensed gambling operators. This includes television, radio, social media, print, outdoor advertising such as billboards, branded transport, as well as SMS, email campaigns, push notifications, celebrity endorsements, and influencer marketing.
“The [BCLB] hereby orders the immediate suspension of all gambling advertisements and testimonials across all media platforms for thirty (30) days with effect from the date of this statement,” said BCLB Chairperson Jane Mwikali Makau.
The regulator highlighted the “rampant airing” of gambling ads during the watershed period from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., which it said exposes minors and other vulnerable groups to gambling-related content and heightens the risk of addiction.
“Of particular concern is the rampant airing of gambling advertisements during the watershed period, thereby exposing vulnerable members of the population, particularly minors, who are gradually drawn into gambling-related addiction,” the board said in a statement.
During the moratorium, all gambling advertisements must be submitted to the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) for approval before publication or broadcast. Operators are also required to ensure full compliance with existing gambling legislation and advertising regulations.
To oversee the development of long-term reforms, a multi-agency enforcement task force has been convened, comprising officials from the Ministry of Interior, Attorney General’s Office, Communications Authority, Kenya Revenue Authority, Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Media Council of Kenya, Financial Reporting Centre, KFCB and BCLB.
The Communications Authority has been asked to block unauthorized foreign gambling websites operating in the country, while the National Assembly is being urged to fast-track the Gambling Control Bill to strengthen regulation and oversight.
The Media Council of Kenya has also been pressed to finalize new guidelines for gambling ads. Authorities have called on the public to report any illegal gambling activity to the BCLB or local police.
“The Government remains firmly committed to safeguarding public welfare, protecting the youth, promoting social responsibility, and restoring integrity within Kenya’s gambling sector,” the BCLB said.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/05/01/103296-kenya-imposes-30day-ban-on-gambling-advertisements-amid-addiction-concerns
