The Government of Kenya has suspended all gambling advertisements for 30 days in a sweeping move to curb irresponsible betting and protect vulnerable groups, especially minors.
The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) announced the suspension on April 29, 2025, citing the growing concern over the proliferation of gambling activities and misleading advertising.
In a statement, BCLB Chairperson Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau said the Board had noted an alarming trend where gambling promoters were portraying betting as a legitimate investment opportunity and a shortcut to wealth.
She warned that such misrepresentations were having devastating social and economic impacts on individuals, families, and communities.
Dr. Makau also expressed concern over the widespread airing of gambling advertisements during the watershed hours of 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., saying this exposed minors to betting content and contributed to growing addiction cases.
To address the issue, the BCLB ordered the immediate halt of all gambling-related advertisements and promotional content across all media platforms, including TV, radio, print, social media, billboards, SMS, email campaigns and influencer endorsements.
During the suspension period, all licensed gambling operators have been instructed to submit their advertisements to the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) for vetting and classification in accordance with the Film and Stage Plays Act.
The BCLB further directed operators to ensure full compliance with existing gambling laws and implement responsible gambling practices as part of their licensing conditions.
In addition to the suspension, the government has established a Multi-Agency Enforcement Team tasked with creating strategic interventions and enforcing responsible gambling regulations.
The team comprises representatives from key government bodies, including the Ministry of Interior, Office of the Attorney General, the Communications Authority of Kenya, Kenya Revenue Authority, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, KFCB, the Media Council of Kenya, Financial Reporting Centre, and the BCLB itself.
The BCLB also urged Parliament to fast-track the Gambling Control Bill, which is expected to give regulators enhanced supervisory powers.
It further called on the Media Council of Kenya to finalise new advertising guidelines, following a court ruling that nullified the previous programming code.
Members of the public were encouraged to report any violations or suspicious gambling operations directly to the BCLB or the nearest police station for investigation.
The Board emphasised its commitment to protecting the youth, promoting social responsibility, and restoring integrity in Kenya’s gambling sector.
