MPs pass Gambling Bill, impose heavy fines and jail terms
The law aims to shield vulnerable groups from the harmful effects of betting while ensuring that only responsible gambling is promoted.
The National Assembly has endorsed a tough new law that will overhaul how gambling is conducted, advertised and regulated in the country, in an effort to address rising cases of addiction, protect children and punish illegal practices.
The revised Gambling Control Bill, 2023, backed by both the National Assembly and Senate, introduces harsh penalties for violators and places heavy responsibilities on gambling operators, media outlets and advertisers.
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The law aims to shield vulnerable groups from the harmful effects of betting while ensuring that only responsible gambling is promoted.
Among the key provisions is a ban on using celebrities or public service vehicles to promote gambling, a move meant to reduce the influence of such advertisements, especially on young people.
Billboard ads will no longer be allowed near learning institutions, and misleading adverts that portray gambling as a way to make income will be outlawed.
“A gambling advertisement shall indicate the addictive nature of gambling, notify players to play responsibly, and prohibit children from playing,” states a section of the Bill.
Television and radio gambling ads will only be allowed between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am, with exceptions granted only during live sports broadcasts.
The law further requires that 20 per cent of all gambling-related advertisements promote responsible betting, a provision designed to raise awareness about the dangers of addiction.
Media houses and operators who fail to comply with the rules face fines of up to Sh20 million or jail terms of up to 20 years.
The law also gives the Sports Cabinet Secretary sweeping powers to determine which licensed gambling activities may be advertised and to regulate the kind of information that can appear in the ads.
If signed into law, the Bill will mark a turning point in Kenya’s gambling industry, with strict controls expected to reshape advertising trends and reduce harmful exposure, particularly among the youth.
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