Gambling promotions temporarily halted on all advertising platforms, as directed by the Betting Control and Licensing Board.
News Flash: 30-Day Ban on Gambling Ads Across Kenya!
The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has axed all gambling advertisements on every media platform for a whopping 30 days, as of April 29, 2025.
Gambling mania has raised flags high in Kenyan authorities as the vast number of betting promoters falsely project gambling as a legit monetary move and a snappy pathway to fortune. This phony image leads to destructive social and economic consequences. Scattering gambling ads during the critical watershed time (5:00 am to 10:00 pm) is particularly worrisome since it exposes vulnerable individuals, especially children, to the danger of getting ensnared in gaming-related addictions.
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This crackdown includes all forms of promotional activities, such as:
- Radio and television commercials
- Social networking sites
- Print media (magazines, newspapers, flyers)
- Outdoor advertising (billboards, branded vehicles, etc.)
- Push alerts, SMS, and email campaigns
- Influencer marketing and celebrity endorsements
All authorized gambling operators are expected to do the following during this suspension period:
- Submit all gambling advertisements to the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) for review, classification, and approval
- Comply with the legal and regulatory frameworks governing gambling ads in Kenya
- Reinforce responsible gambling practices as outlined by the BCLB's licensing and operational guidelines
A multi-agency enforcement team, composed of the communications authority, tax authorities, law enforcement, media council, tax agency, crime investigators, film classification board, and more, will be formed to develop policies, implement enforcement strategies, and promote responsible gambling nationwide.
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These policies and strategies show Kenya's urgency in addressing gambling addictions, particularly among vulnerable age groups, and fostering a more accountable gambling environment.
- In light of the 30-day ban on gambling ads, all authorized operators in Kenya are required to submit their advertisements to the Kenya Film Classification Board for review, ensuring compliance with the country's policy and legislation.
- The total ban covers all forms of promotional activities, including lottery advertisements, as the Betting Control and Licensing Board aims to diminish the impact of gambling ads on vulnerable individuals such as children.
- The crackdown on gambling advertisements is a significant step towards responsible gambling, as outlined by the BCLB's licensing and operational guidelines, which advocates for the promotion of accountable practices within the industry.
- The recent directive to suspend gambling ads for 30 days is a response to concerns raised in politics and general news about the negative consequences of gambling mania in Kenya, particularly the rise in gambling-related addictions.
- In an effort to tackle this issue, a multi-agency team will be formed, consisting of various entities such as the Communications Authority of Kenya, Media Council of Kenya, and the Office of the Attorney General, to develop policies and implement enforcement strategies promoting responsible gambling nationwide.
