3 Rules Govt Gave Betting Firms After Suspending Adverts On All Media Platforms
BCLB chairperson Jane Mwikali confirmed the temporary ban in a statement in response to the increasing rate of gambling activities and addiction in the country.
Marvin Chege 
Earlier on Tuesday, April 29, the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) ordered an immediate suspension of gambling advertisements and testimonials across all media platforms in the country for a period of 30 days.
BCLB chairperson Jane Mwikali confirmed the temporary ban in a statement in response to the increasing rate of gambling activities and addiction in the country.
According to the board, the ban is a sweeping one targeting all licensed gambling operators and promotional activities aired on television and radio stations, as well as all forms of print media such as newspapers, magazines and flyers.
The directive has even gone digital, extending to social media platforms, Short Message Services (SMS), email campaigns, and push notifications as well as outdoor advertising, including billboards and branded transport. Also hit by the directive are celebrity endorsements and influencer marketing.
BCLB chairperson Jane Mwikali. /THE STAR
"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," it stated.
"Of particular concern is the rampant airing of gambling advertisements during the watershed period (5:00 am to 10:00 pm), thereby exposing vulnerable members of the population, particularly minors, who are gradually drawn into gambling-related addiction. The gambling activities include betting, gaming, lottery prize competitions, and all related promotional undertakings."
Whereas the directive has been welcomed by members of the public, the suspension is likely to hit media platforms where it hurts the most financially, since most media platforms derive a majority of their income from gambling advertisements and sponsored content.
Following this directive, all gambling operators and promoters have been compelled to submit their advertisements to the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) for review and approval before they can be aired.
They are also expected to implement measures that promote responsible gambling, in line with the licensing and operating guidelines set by the BCLB.
"During this period of suspension, all licensed gambling operators and promoters shall ensure strict compliance with all applicable legislative and regulatory frameworks governing gambling and related advertising in Kenya," it stated.
Additionally, the Board has called on the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to shut down and block access to all unauthorised foreign gambling websites operating in the country.
"The Government remains firmly committed to safeguarding public welfare, protecting the youth, promoting social responsibility, and restoring integrity within Kenya’s gambling sector," it stated.
The National Assembly has been urged to fast-track the passing of the Gambling Control Bill to strengthen the regulation of gambling activities in Kenya.
Meanwhile, the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) is being pushed to finalise and implement new guidelines to better regulate gambling ads across media platforms.
Lastly, the public is encouraged to report any illegal gambling operations to the board or their nearest police station.
The BCLB stated that a multi-agency task force—made up of officials from the Ministry of Interior, Attorney General’s Office, Communications Authority, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB), MCK, Financial Reporting Centre, and BCLB—has been assembled to develop policies and recommendations aimed at promoting responsible gambling.
Remedial Actions
An image of a person on a gambling site. /BUSINESS DAILY
