To strengthen the supervision of gambling advertisements, the Kenyan government, in collaboration with multiple agencies, has introduced new regulations that explicitly prohibit celebrities, internet influencers, and content creators from endorsing gambling ads to prevent the over-glamorization of gambling behavior in society.
This new regulation is led by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) in conjunction with the Ministry of Interior, the Attorney General's Office, the Communications Authority, the Film Classification Board, and other government departments, aimed at curbing the negative impact of gambling on minors and vulnerable groups.
This move follows a temporary ban on all gambling advertisements by the government on April 29, 2025, which lasted for 30 days, intended to pave the way for a new regulatory framework.
According to the newly released regulations:
All gambling advertisements must receive prior approval from the BCLB and the Kenya Film Classification Board.
Advertisements must not use any public figures, social media influencers, or content creators for endorsements or promotions.
All advertisements must clearly display the operator's license number, age restrictions, responsible gambling statement, official contact information, and regulatory authorization statement.
Gambling promotions must not appear in schools, churches, playgrounds, shopping malls, and other public places where children are commonly present.
All gambling marketing activities must undergo review and approval by relevant government agencies to ensure compliance and risk control measures are in place.
It is noteworthy that behind this regulatory policy is a cross-agency enforcement team, including the Kenya Revenue Authority, the Criminal Investigation Department, the Media Council, and the Financial Intelligence Unit, demonstrating the government's firm stance on upgrading gambling supervision.
This round of reform marks a more serious and systematic step by the Kenyan government in controlling gambling risks and protecting the younger generation, and may also have a policy demonstration effect on other African countries.
