Kenya’s Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has implemented a sweeping 30-day ban on all gambling advertisements, effective April 29, in a move aimed at curbing rising concerns over youth exposure and problematic betting behavior.
The ban applies to all media platforms, including TV, radio, digital ads, newspapers, social media, SMS marketing, celebrity endorsements, and outdoor billboards. The restriction is particularly focused on enforcing blackout periods between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., times considered to have high viewership among minors.
Operators must now submit all advertising content to the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) for vetting and approval before broadcast, signaling a sharp tightening of regulatory oversight.
Kenya’s gambling sector is valued at nearly $831 million in 2025, making it the third-largest market in Sub-Saharan Africa, following South Africa and Nigeria. While the industry generated approximately KES 24 billion ($180 million) in tax revenue in 2023/24, the societal cost is rising. A GeoPoll survey revealed that 82.8% of Kenyans have engaged in betting, one of the highest participation rates on the continent.
The government has also cracked down on illegal operations, blocking over 50 unauthorized online gambling websites. A new multi-agency task force—including the Ministry of Interior and the Communications Authority—has been formed to enforce compliance.
As mobile internet penetration rises, so too does betting behavior among youth. Authorities say the 30-day ban is a first step toward fostering responsible gambling and protecting vulnerable groups.
