The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has announced a 30-day suspension of all gambling advertisements and testimonials across all media platforms, citing a national crisis driven by unchecked betting promotions.

“In view of these occurrences, and pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act (Chapter 131, Laws of Kenya), the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) hereby ORDERS the immediate suspension of all gambling advertisements and testimonials across all media platforms for a period of thirty (30) days with effect from the date of this statement. This directive applies to all licensed gambling operators and covers all forms of advertisement and promotional activity,” the board said.

The ban extends to television, radio, social media, print, billboards, branded transport, SMS, email, push notifications, celebrity endorsements, and influencer marketing.

BCLB said the move was necessitated by a surge in gambling activities, misleading claims portraying betting as a quick path to wealth, and the exposure of minors to gambling adverts during the watershed period from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm.

During the suspension, all licensed operators are required to submit their adverts to the Kenya Film Classification Board for approval, comply with all applicable laws, and enforce responsible gambling standards outlined in their operating licences.

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To enhance enforcement, the board urged Parliament to fast-track the Gambling Control Bill and called on the Media Council of Kenya to operationalise fresh advertising guidelines in compliance with court rulings.

It also requested the Communications Authority of Kenya to block all unlicensed foreign gambling websites targeting Kenyans.

The Government has concurrently established a Multi-Agency Enforcement Team to design policy and enforcement strategies to reinforce responsible gambling.

The team comprises representatives from the Interior Ministry, Office of the Attorney General, Communications Authority, Kenya Revenue Authority, Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Kenya Film Classification Board, Media Council, Financial Reporting Centre, and BCLB.

BCLB appealed for full cooperation from all stakeholders, including betting firms, media houses, digital platforms, telecom providers, and the public, to ensure compliance.

“The Government remains firmly committed to safeguarding public welfare, protecting the youth, promoting social responsibility, and restoring integrity within Kenya's gambling sector,” the board said.

The government's decisive action to suspend gambling advertisements underscores its commitment to addressing the negative impacts of unchecked gambling promotions.

By temporarily halting these advertisements, strengthening regulatory measures, and forming a multi-agency team to advocate for responsible gambling, the authorities aim to safeguard vulnerable individuals, particularly minors, and restore integrity within the sector.

As the country grapples with the rapid rise of gambling, this initiative serves as a critical step in balancing the industry's growth with public welfare and social responsibility.