The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has banned all gambling-related advertisements in Kenya for 30 days, citing growing concerns over gambling being portrayed as an investment tool and its negative social impact.

In a statement by BCLB chairperson Jane Makau, the board is worried about the aggressive promotion of gambling during watershed hours (5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) which is targeting minors and other vulnerable groups.

“Of particular concern is the airing of gambling adverts during the watershed period… thereby exposing vulnerable members of the population, particularly minors, who are being drawn into gambling-related addiction,” said Makau.

Total Ban Across All Platforms

The directive applies to all licensed gambling operators and covers:

  • TV and radio

  • Print media (newspapers, flyers, magazines)

  • Outdoor advertising (billboards, branded vehicles)

  • Digital platforms (social media, SMS, email, mobile app push notifications)

  • Celebrity endorsements and influencer marketing

Also included are promotional activities related to betting, lotteries, gaming and prize competitions.

Makau said operators must submit all adverts for approval to the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) before they can be aired once the ban is lifted.

Gambling as a Shortcut to Wealth

BCLB is concerned that gambling operators are portraying gambling as a legitimate investment, a message the board says is misleading and dangerous.

“This mischaracterization has adverse socioeconomic consequences with devastating effects on individuals, families and the community,” Makau said.

The move comes as public concern over gambling addiction and its role in mental health especially among the youth grows.

Enforcement and Responsible Gambling

In addition to the advertising ban, BCLB has directed all operators to:

  • Comply fully with all laws and regulations governing gambling and advertising in Kenya.

  • Implement responsible gambling policies as per the conditions of their operating licenses.

  • Review internal content policies to prevent the spread of exploitative or manipulative marketing.

The board warned that failure to comply with these measures will result in revocation of licenses or legal penalties.

A New Era for Kenya’s Betting Industry?

Kenya’s betting industry has grown exponentially over the last decade with sports betting platforms being the biggest players. While this growth has brought in huge tax revenues and tech innovation, it has also raised public concern over gambling being normalized especially among low income and jobless youth.

This 30-day ban is a regulatory wake up call for the industry to rethink how it engages with the public and markets its products.