Government suspends gambling ads for 30 days

By Newsflash Writer

NAIROBI, April 30, 2025 — The Kenyan government has announced the immediate suspension of all gambling advertisements across all media platforms for 30 days, citing a surge in irresponsible gambling promotions that are misleading the public—particularly the youth—into viewing betting as a viable investment opportunity.

In a press release issued on April 29, 2025, by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), the state regulator expressed alarm over what it termed the “proliferation of gambling activities” and the rampant mischaracterization of gambling as a shortcut to wealth.

The BCLB warned that such messaging is having “adverse socioeconomic consequences, with devastating effects on individuals, families, and the broader community.”

“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,” said BCLB Chairperson Jane Mwikali Makau.

The suspension order, issued under the Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act (Chapter 131, Laws of Kenya), affects all licensed gambling operators and covers every form of promotional content including television and radio ads, social media posts, newspaper and magazine promotions, billboards, SMS and email campaigns, and influencer marketing.

Regulatory crackdown and multi-agency enforcement

The directive comes amid growing public outcry over the aggressive marketing tactics used by betting firms. To reinforce the suspension, the BCLB has outlined additional regulatory requirements that gambling operators must meet during the suspension period. These include submitting all advertisements to the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) for review, adhering to all current legal frameworks, and implementing robust responsible gambling measures.

To further strengthen oversight, the BCLB is advocating for swift legislative action. “The National Assembly is urged to expedite the enactment of the Gambling Control Bill to empower the sector regulator with enhanced enforcement and supervisory powers,” the statement noted.

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In addition, the BCLB has called on the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) to finalize and enforce updated broadcasting guidelines, following the annulment of the previous programming code. It also asked the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to immediately block foreign gambling websites that are unlicensed and operating illegally within Kenyan territory.

Members of the public have been encouraged to report violations either directly to the BCLB or at local police stations for immediate investigation and legal action.

Government forms multi-agency task force

In a move to coordinate broader reforms, the government has established a Multi-Agency Enforcement Team comprising officials from key institutions including the Ministry of Interior, the Attorney General’s Office, the Kenya Revenue Authority, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and several regulatory bodies. The task force has been mandated to develop strategic policy recommendations and ensure nationwide enforcement of responsible gambling practices.

“This marks a major step toward safeguarding public welfare, protecting the youth, promoting social responsibility, and restoring integrity within Kenya’s gambling sector,” Dr Makau emphasized.

Kenya’s gambling industry has expanded rapidly in recent years, with increased participation driven by digital platforms and mobile betting apps. Critics argue that lax regulation and aggressive marketing have exposed vulnerable populations—especially young people—to harmful gambling behaviors.

As the 30-day ban takes effect, stakeholders across media, telecommunications, and betting sectors are now under pressure to align with the government’s push for ethical conduct and compliance with Kenya’s legal and moral standards.