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The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has imposed a 30 day ban on all gambling advertisements on all media in Kenya, citing growing concern over the high rates of gambling and addiction in Kenya.
In a statement released on Tuesday, April 29, BCLB chairperson Jane Mwikali stated that the ban takes immediate effect.
The prohibition will be applied to all licensed gambling operators and their marketing campaigns.
BCLB said the directive affect Television and radio advertising, Social media platforms, Print media that includes newspapers, magazines, and flyers, Outdoor media (billboards, branded vehicles),SMS, email campaigns, push alerts, Celebrity endorsement and influencer marketing.
BCLB noted that the frequent advertisements of gambling during the daylight hours between 5:00 am and 10:00 pm expose vulnerable groups and especially children to increased exposure, which in turn results in gambling addiction.
“Considering 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) DIRECTS that all gambling adverts and endorsements on all media platforms be suspended with immediate effect for thirty (30) days from the date of this statement,” BCLB noted.
BCLB said that gambling operators will also be instructed during the suspension period to submit any advertisement material for review before broadcasting by the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB).
The regulator further said that the operators must also adopt responsible gambling culture as per the standards of licensing and operation by BCLB.
“All promoters and licensed gambling operators shall adhere strictly to all legislative and regulatory requirements applicable to gambling and gambling advertising in Kenya during this period of suspension,” said BCLB.
A multi-agency enforcement team has been sent to formulate policies and guidelines for promoting responsible gambling.
The team includes Ministry of Interior, Office of the Attorney General, Communications Authority of Kenya, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Directorate of Criminal Investigations, KFCB, Media Council of Kenya, Financial Reporting Centre, and the BCLB officials.
The Regulators has called on the Communications Authority of Kenya to block and close all unauthorized foreign betting websites in the country.
“The Government remains committed to protecting public welfare, the protection of youth, social responsibility, and re-establishing integrity in Kenya’s gambling industry,” regulator noted.
The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has been requested to finalize and implement new regulations that will continue to regulate gambling advertisements within the media platform.
The National Assembly has also been asked to expedite the passage of the Gambling Control Bill, intended to enhance control and regulation of the sector.
