The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has suspended all gambling advertisements and testimonials across all media platforms for a period of 30 days.
In a notice dated April 29, 2025, the betting regulator said that the government had noted “with grave concern” the proliferation of gambling activities across the country.
“Some gambling promoters are increasingly mischaracterizing gambling as a legitimate investment opportunity and a shortcut to wealth creation. The erroneous depiction occasions adverse socioeconomic consequences, with devastating effects on individuals, families, and the broader community,” the notice signed by BCLB Chairperson Jane Mwikali Makau.
“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,” Mwikali says.
The directive, which takes effect immediately, applies to all licensed gambling operators and covers all forms of advertisement and promotion activity, including but not limited to:
- Television and radio advertisements;
- Television and radio advertisements;
- Social media platforms;
- Print media (newspapers, magazines, flyers);
- Outdoor advertising (billboards, branded transport, etc.);
- SMS, email campaigns, and push notifications; and
- Celebrity endorsements and influencer marketing.
Directives to gambling operators
During this 30-day period, all licensed gambling operators and promoters are required to submit all gambling advertisements to the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) for examination, classification, and issuance of a certificate of approval and filming license in accordance with the Film and Stage Plays Act (Chapter 222, Laws of Kenya).
The operators are also expected to ensure strict compliance with all applicable legislative and regulatory frameworks governing gambling and related advertising in Kenya, as well as implement comprehensive measures to promote responsible gambling practices, as per the licensing and operating conditions issued by BCLB.
BCLB’s recommendations
The Board is now urging the National Assembly to speed up the enactment of the Gambling Control Bill, so as to empower the sector regulator with enhanced enforcement and supervisory powers.
The Board is also requesting the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) to finalise and operationalise new guidelines to replace the programming code declared unconstitutional, in full compliance with the court ruling.
Further, the Board is encouraging Kenyans to lodge formal complaints, either directly with the BLCB or report to the nearest police station, for immediate investigation and necessary action.
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), has also been requested to undertake immediate measures to block and deactivate all foreign unlicensed gambling websites operating within the territory of the Republic of Kenya, in a bid to safeguard consumers and uphold the integrity of the sector.
“BCLB hereby calls upon all stakeholders, including but not limited to betting companies, media houses, digital platforms, telecommunication service providers, and members of the general public, to fully comply with this directive in the national interest,” the board adds. “The Government remains firmly committed to safeguarding public welfare, protecting the youth, promoting social responsibility, and restoring integrity within Kenya’s gambling sector.”
