The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has ordered the immediate suspension of all gambling advertisements and promotional testimonials across all media platforms for a period of 30 days.
The directive, which takes effect On Tuesday April 29,2025, is aimed at curbing what the government has termed a “worrying proliferation” of gambling and its mischaracterization as a legitimate investment opportunity.
“The Government has noted, with grave concern, the proliferation of gambling activities across the country,” said Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau, Chairperson of BCLB, during a press briefing held at the BCLB headquarters.
“We are seeing gambling being marketed as a shortcut to wealth creation a portrayal that is both misleading and dangerous to our communities.”
According to the BCLB, the ban applies to all licensed operators and covers a wide spectrum of advertising avenues including:Television and radio ads,social media promotions,Print media (newspapers, flyers),outdoor advertising (billboards, branded vehicles),SMS and email campaigns,Celebrity and influencer endorsements of particular concern, the Board noted, is the rampant airing of gambling advertisements during the watershed period (5:00 am to 10:00 pm), which has inadvertently targeted vulnerable groups especially minors fueling gambling addiction and social decay.
“This is not a moral panic,” Dr. Makau asserted. “It’s a policy intervention grounded in protecting our youth and preserving the social fabric of our society.”
During the 30-day moratorium, all gambling-related advertisements must be submitted to the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) for vetting and approval under the Film and Stage Plays Act.
Licensed operators are also required to implement measures promoting responsible gambling practices, in full compliance with existing laws.
In a move to bolster enforcement, the BCLB announced the formation of a Multi-Agency Enforcement Team, drawing members from nine key government agencies including the Ministry of Interior, Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and others.
“The integrity of the gambling sector must be restored, and this requires a whole-of-government approach,” said Dr. Makau.
“We are counting on all stakeholders media houses, telecoms, digital platforms to do their part.”
Additionally, BCLB has urged Parliament to fast-track the Gambling Control Bill, a piece of legislation expected to grant the regulator broader enforcement powers.
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) is also being pushed to finalize new advertising guidelines to replace the now-defunct programming code.
The Communications Authority has been instructed to block unlicensed foreign gambling websites, a move expected to curb illicit online betting operations targeting Kenyan users.
In a stern warning to non-compliant operators, Dr. Makau concluded:
“This is not optional. Any defiance of this directive will invite the full force of the law. We will not allow profit motives to override public interest.”
Members of the public have been encouraged to report illegal advertising or unlicensed gambling activity to either the BCLB or the nearest police station.
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