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Kenya has suspended all gambling and betting testimonials for 30 days, citing concerns over the proliferation of gambling activities across the country. The government stated that promoters are mischaracterizing gambling as an investment opportunity and a shortcut to wealth creation.
The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) cited adverse socioeconomic consequences affecting individuals, families, and the broader community. BCLB highlighted the gambling activities banned from advertisement, including betting, gaming, lottery prize competitions, and all related promotional undertakings. The directive applies to all licensed gambling operators and covers all forms of advertisement, media and promotional activity.
BCLB also issued directives that betting firms should follow during the suspension. These are: Submit all gambling advertisements to the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) for examination, classification, and issuance of a certificate of approval and filming license Ensure strict compliance with all applicable legislative and regulatory frameworks governing gambling and related advertising in Kenya Implement comprehensive measures to promote responsible gambling practices, as per the licensing and operating conditions issued by BCLB.
The board called on the National Assembly to expedite the enactment of the Gambling Control Bill to empower the sector regulator with enhanced enforcement and supervisory powers. It also said that the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) should finalise and operationalise new guidelines to replace the programming code declared unconstitutional, in full compliance with the court ruling. BCLB encouraged Kenyans to lodge formal complaints either directly with the BCLB or report to the nearest police station for immediate investigation and necessary action.
It also requested the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to undertake immediate measures to block and deactivate all foreign unlicensed gambling websites operating in the country.
BCLB also appointed a multi-agency team to enforce and formulate strategic interventions and policy recommendations for responsible gambling. The team will be mandated to enforce mechanisms to advance responsible gambling practices across the country. The suspension came after reports claimed that Kenyans spent KSh 766 billion in 2024 on gambling and betting. However, BCLB dismissed the report, noting that the figure inflated the real size of the betting market in the country. The board said the amount is roughly equivalent to 31% of the national revenue.