Kenya suspends all gambling ads for 30 days
The ban covers all forms of advertising, including radio, TV, social media, newspapers, SMS and outdoor billboards.
Kenya.- The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has announced a 30-day suspension on all gambling-related advertisements across the country.
The move is part of a broader crackdown on betting and its growing influence, especially among the youth. It comes a day after the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) instructed TV and radio stations to cut back on betting content.
The ban covers all forms of advertising, including radio, TV, social media, newspapers, SMS and outdoor billboards. Gambling operators have also been instructed to halt influencer promotions and celebrity endorsements during this period.
According to the BCLB chair, Jane Mwikali, the provisional suspension aims to address the widespread growth of gambling across the country and reduce the ease with which underage users are exposed to betting promotions.
Mwikali noted that certain gambling promoters falsely portray gambling as a legitimate way to invest and build wealth, leading to adverse socioeconomic outcomes that harm individuals, families and the community at large.
Mwikali said: “Of particular concern is the rampant airing of gambling advertisements during the watershed period (5:00am to 10:00pm), thereby exposing vulnerable members of the population, particularly minors, who are gradually drawn into gambling-related addiction.”
Multi-Agency Approach to Regulate Gambling
In addition to the ban, all betting ads going forward must be submitted to the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) for approval before airing. This is part of a new multi-agency enforcement plan led by the Ministry of Interior and supported by agencies like the Media Council of Kenya, the Communications Authority and the Kenya Revenue Authority.
The BCLB has also asked the Communications Authority to block illegal foreign gambling websites, which continue to attract Kenyan users without proper oversight or tax contributions.
During the 30-day pause, stricter regulations will be developed to promote responsible gambling, including robust age verification, limits on ad placement and clear messaging about potential risks and addiction.
Kenya has one of the most lucrative gambling markets in East Africa. However, a recent surge in problem gambling concerns has forced the government to clamp down with stricter regulations.
