In a decisive move to rein in unregulated betting practices and shield vulnerable populations—particularly minors—the Kenyan government has imposed a 30-day ban on all gambling advertisements across the country.
The announcement, made on April 29, 2025, by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), highlighted the growing threat posed by aggressive and often misleading gambling promotions. According to BCLB Chairperson Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau, the sector has witnessed a troubling shift, with gambling now being misrepresented as a viable investment option and a quick path to financial success.
“These deceptive messages are not only distorting public perception but also wreaking havoc on families and entire communities,” Dr. Makau said. She added that the unchecked exposure of children and youth to betting content—especially through advertising aired during watershed hours between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.—has significantly contributed to rising addiction levels.
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Effective immediately, the BCLB has directed all media houses, digital platforms, print publishers, influencers, and gambling firms to cease the publication and broadcast of any betting-related content. This includes television, radio, outdoor billboards, SMS, email campaigns, and social media promotions.
During the moratorium, all licensed betting companies are required to submit any proposed advertisements to the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) for review under the Film and Stage Plays Act. This pre-vetting process aims to ensure content is appropriate, truthful, and adheres to legal standards.
To bolster compliance and address wider issues within the sector, the government has constituted a Multi-Agency Enforcement Team. The new taskforce will coordinate enforcement of responsible gambling policies and develop strategies to prevent exploitation of Kenyan consumers. Members include representatives from the Ministry of Interior, Office of the Attorney General, Communications Authority of Kenya, Kenya Revenue Authority, Directorate of Criminal Investigations, KFCB, the Media Council of Kenya, Financial Reporting Centre, and BCLB.
Dr. Makau also called on lawmakers to expedite the passage of the Gambling Control Bill, which would grant regulators more robust oversight tools. Additionally, she urged the Media Council to speed up the development of updated advertising standards, following a recent court decision that invalidated previous guidelines.
In a final appeal, the BCLB encouraged the public to report any suspected violations or unauthorized gambling activity to authorities or local police stations. The Board reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding young people, promoting ethical gambling practices, and restoring public trust in Kenya’s gaming sector.
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