Kenyan singer Bahati speaks out on betting ad ban
Bahati urged his fans and customers to “cheza safe” (play safe) and prioritise responsible gaming.
Kenya.- Kenyan singer and CEO of Bahati Bet, Bahati, has reacted to the new directives of the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) banning celebrities and influencers from advertising betting companies.
Bahati posted a video on his Instability page, showing him suited up in blue and flashing his signature charm. He started the clip by playfully pretending to seal a Ksh 10 million (€66,764) deal on his phone before addressing the camera about the official letter he received from BCLB outlining the latest guidelines.
In his statement, Bahati praised the board for its efforts to regulate the betting industry and vowed to back initiatives that promote responsible gaming. He captioned the video: “As the C.E.O and director at www.bahati.bet, I acknowledge your efforts, and I commit to be your responsible gaming goodwill ambassador.”
Bahati also urged his fans and customers to “cheza safe” (play safe) and prioritise responsible gaming, cautioning them about the risks of addiction.
The reactions to Bahati’s post were divided, with some supporting his responsible gaming message and others questioning its effectiveness. Some followers questioned the sincerity of his message, given his role in the betting industry; others noted that his brand has a strong presence and he doesn’t need to rely on influencers.
The new restrictions were announced by the BCLB during the month-long ban on betting ads in the media. They include a limit of two print advertisements per week, restricted to the sports sections of newspapers. Operators must also allocate 20% of ad space to key responsible gambling information, including the operator’s BCLB licence number, responsible gaming messaging and age limits.
