Kenyan Betting Influencers Protest Unfair Advertising Ban

Kenyan Betting Influencers Protest New Advertising Ban: 'Hypocrisy Rather Than Regulation' NAIROBI, Kenya – On June 5th, 2025, a group of betting influencers held a press conference in Kenya to voice their opposition to a new directive from the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB). The directive prohibits influencers from promoting betting companies, while simultaneously allowing traditional media outlets like TV and radio to continue such advertising. The influencers argue this is discriminatory and illogical. "The directive is not only unfair but lacks logic," stated one influencer during the press conference. "You are telling us not to influence for betting companies, whereas you are leaving the traditional media…This comes out as hypocrisy rather than regulation." The influencers' concerns highlight the complexities of regulating advertising in the digital age. While the BCLB aims to curb problem gambling, the selective ban on influencer marketing raises questions about fairness and effectiveness. The situation underscores the need for a comprehensive and consistent approach to regulating betting advertising across all media platforms. The influencers have indicated their willingness to engage in discussions about regulation, but they strongly reject what they see as a hypocritical approach.