Kenya Suspends All Betting Advertising: 30-Day Ban and Harsh Consequences
Kenya Suspends All Betting Advertising for 30 Days Starting April 29 — Regulator BCLB accused operators of violating responsible marketing rules and protections for minors.
Total Ban on Gambling Advertising in the Media
According to a public notice from the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), all gambling-related advertisements have been temporarily removed from television and radio broadcasts.
The regulator explicitly stated:
“Kenyans will not see betting advertisements on TV or hear them on radio for the next 30 days.”
Reasons for the Ban
The main reason is numerous violations of responsible marketing standards, including:
- Lack of mechanisms to protect minors;
- Portrayal of betting as an easy way to make money;
- Disregard for time-of-day broadcasting restrictions;
- Direct calls to place bets without stating risks.
BCLB emphasized that until all operators align their advertising campaigns with responsible gambling rules, the placement of such ads in any media will remain prohibited.
Penalties for Violators
Operators and media organizations that ignore the directive risk facing serious consequences. BCLB warns:
- Revocation of betting licenses for operators;
- Revocation of media licenses for broadcasters who air the ads despite the ban;
- Blocking access to violating platforms.
Restrictions Have Been Imposed Before
This is not the first tightening of rules. Previously, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) gave radio and TV stations 14 days to reduce content related to betting and lotteries.
The regulator then required:
- Avoiding gambling content during daytime hours;
- Compliance with age restrictions and content presentation rules;
- Exclusion of promotions portraying betting and lotteries as a fast income source.
Now BCLB has gone further, completely halting advertising until all violations are corrected.
What’s Next?
Betting companies are expected to review their advertising strategies in the coming weeks. Only after that will the regulator consider lifting the ban.
Table: Summary of Restrictions
| Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| Duration | 30 days from April 29 |
| Types of Advertising | Television, radio, online platforms |
| Reason | Violations of responsible marketing rules |
| Consequences | Revocation of licenses for operators and media |
BCLB urges all market participants to follow the established rules and remember their responsibility to society.
At the end of the 30-day period, a follow-up compliance review will be conducted. Until then, betting advertising in Kenya has been suspended.