Kenya’s National Assembly approved the Gambling Control Bill, 2023 on 16 January 2025, rejecting Senate amendments, according to the committee report. The bill would require deposits of Sh200 million for online gambling and national lottery licences; it awaits President William Ruto’s signature to become law.
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Kenya’s Betting Control and Licensing Board issued gambling advertising guidelines on 29 May 2025, the Board said. Ads must receive BCLB approval and Kenya Film Classification Board classification before distribution; the rules prohibit celebrity and influencer endorsements and set requirements for responsible-gambling messages, age restrictions and licence details. The guidelines followed a 30-day suspension of gambling advertising across media channels.
Kenya’s Betting Control and Licensing Board has ended a 30-day advertising suspension and introduced new rules for gambling adverts. Operators must obtain BCLB approval and Kenya Film Classification Board classification before publication or broadcast; the rules also restrict advert content and outdoor placements.
Kenya’s Betting Control and Licensing Board has formed a team of representatives from eight government agencies to revise betting rules. The proposed changes could restrict gambling near schools, limit operating hours and set eligibility requirements; lawmakers have raised concerns about possible tax evasion by operators.
Kenya’s Betting Control and Licensing Board suspended gambling advertising across media platforms for 30 days from 29 April 2025. The directive requires licensed operators and promoters to submit advertisements to the Kenya Film Classification Board for review and approval, and to follow responsible-gambling guidelines. The government also established a multi-agency team to develop policy recommendations and enforcement strategies.
Kenya’s Betting Control and Licensing Board disputed reports that people in the country spent KES766bn on gambling in 2024, saying the figure may include unlicensed offshore platforms. The board said gambling-related taxes totalled KES22.3bn in the 2023/2024 financial year. It also described measures including advertising rules, digital monitoring and work on a national self-exclusion programme.