Kenya Cracks Down on Betting Ads with Speed Dial Ban
In a decisive move to safeguard consumers, the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) of Kenya is enforcing a High Court order to ban all gaming operators from using the speed dial feature on internet browsers, a popular function in browsers like Opera Mini and Google.
This action is a significant win for consumer protection, championed by the Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK) following a successful petition against the intrusive advertising practices of betting firms.
BCLB’s Firm Directive
BCLB Director Peter Mbugi, in a directive dated February 16, 2024, mandated all gaming operators to immediately cease the use of the speed dial advertising feature. This move aligns with the board’s commitment to responsible advertising in the gaming industry, as outlined in their circular from August 11, 2023, and reinforced by the High Court’s ruling on January 16, 2024.
Non-compliance, Mbugi warned, would trigger legal actions, including potential contempt of court charges, emphasizing the seriousness of the board’s stance against non-adherence.
COFEK’s Stand Against Indiscriminate Advertising
COFEK’s petition highlighted the exploitative use of the speed dial feature by betting firms to target Kenyan internet users without discrimination, raising concerns over the exposure of underage and vulnerable groups to gambling content.
The feature, which allows quick access to frequently visited websites through visual thumbnails, had been manipulated by some betting firms, including notable names like Betika, OdiBets Kenya, and Sportpesa, to ensure their services were prominently displayed, disregarding user demographics.
The Risks of Unregulated Exposure
The consumer lobby’s investigation revealed that certain browsers had tailored the speed dial feature specifically for the Kenyan market, with betting services aggressively promoted, posing a significant risk to millions, especially minors who might access smart devices.
This unregulated exposure to betting ads could inadvertently facilitate underage gambling, a concern that the BCLB aims to address through this enforcement.
Our Comment on the Regulatory Enforcement
The BCLB’s enforcement of the High Court’s order to ban the speed dial feature for betting ads in Kenya is a commendable step towards responsible gambling and advertising. It underscores the necessity of regulatory oversight in the digital age, where technology can easily be leveraged to circumvent traditional safeguards against underage and vulnerable populations’ exposure to gambling.
This proactive approach by regulatory bodies, supported by consumer advocacy groups like COFEK, is crucial in creating a safe digital environment, ensuring that the gambling industry operates within ethical bounds and contributes positively to society.
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