The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), working in conjunction with Safaricom PLC, has suspended 81 pay bill numbers for various unauthorized radio and television promotions over an eight-month period ending in August.
The Board’s Director Peter Mbugi said the suspension that took place between December 202o to August 2021 is part of the ongoing crackdown aimed at curbing the rampant betting and gaming in the broadcasting space.
“These activities by the media have harmful impact on the public and especially children,” – he said.
While citing the economic effects brought forth by COVID-19, Mbugi decried that a majority of radio stations in particular had resorted to exploitative and unauthorized gambling so as to remain afloat.
Mbugi said the Board is working with the Communication Authority (CA) with a view of establishing harmonized guidelines and procedures relating to adverts and programming on gaming aired by radio and television stations.
“This will ensure the two agencies work together to reign in any media house violating gaming, lottery and the betting advertising guidelines,” – he said.
Members of the National Assembly are also considering amendments to the Gaming Bill 2019 to tighten the law on betting and gaming activities in the country. The Gaming Bill 2019 is currently before the Committee of the Whole House.