The Kenya Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has issued a new directive that bans celebrities, influencers and content creators from endorsing or promoting gambling activities in the country. The move is part of a broader effort to reduce gambling addiction and protect vulnerable groups, especially the youth.
The announcement comes as the government lifts a one-month suspension on gambling advertisements across all media platforms. The suspension was implemented while authorities review the existing regulations.
In a statement dated May 29, the BCLB introduced stricter guidelines aimed at promoting responsible gambling. The new rules prohibit public figures from making profits through gambling endorsements, a practice that has become a major source of income for many local celebrities.
According to local media, the revised regulations also aim to reduce the influence of high-profile personalities on youth gambling participation.
Under the updated framework, all gambling advertisements must be approved by the BCLB before being forwarded to the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) for classification. Media outlets must comply with the 2025 Code of Conduct for Media Practices for all gambling-related promotions.
Additionally, gambling advertisements are now banned in areas frequented by children, such as schools, religious centres, playgrounds and shopping malls.
The BCLB had previously suspended all gambling advertisements in April, citing a sharp increase in gambling activity and addiction. The latest measures reflect the government’s growing concern about the social impact of gambling, particularly among Kenya’s youth.