Kenya has rolled out strict new rules targeting gambling advertisements. The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), in partnership with several government agencies, announced that celebrities, influencers, and content creators can no longer feature in any form of gambling promotions.
This follows a 30-day suspension of gambling ads that began on 29 April 2025. The ban aimed to protect minors and vulnerable people from gambling addiction and excessive exposure.
The BCLB worked closely with the Ministry of Interior, the Attorney General’s Office, the Communications Authority of Kenya, and the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) to create the updated advertising rules.
Now, media houses and advertisers must secure approval from both the BCLB and KFCB before running any gambling ads. Operators must also include their BCLB licence number, a responsible gambling message, age disclaimers, contact information, and a regulatory approval statement in all ads.
The new rules also prohibit gambling ads near schools, churches, playgrounds, malls, or any location frequently visited by children.
A Multiagency Enforcement Team—comprising the Kenya Revenue Authority, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the Media Council of Kenya, and the Financial Reporting Centre—will handle monitoring and enforcement.
By removing celebrity endorsements and tightening ad placement, Kenya aims to reduce the glamorisation of gambling and protect the public from harm.
