- BCLB has with immediate effect directed all the betting firms to cease using the speed dial browser internet feature citing that they are against the law.
- BLCB has also directed that it will take action against all betting firms that will fail to comply with the same.
Betting Control and Licencing Board (BCLB) will take tough action against gaming operators that are illegally using the speed dial browser internet feature.
In a notice, BCLB has with immediate effect directed all the betting firms to cease using the speed dial browser internet feature citing that they are against the law.
BLCB says it has been disturbed by the decision by some betting firms to use the speed dial internet feature hence exposing the public to some illegal advertisements that can sway people’s behaviour.
“ It has come to the attention of the board that some betting firms are advertising using the speed dial browser internet feature without its authorization. The board is also aware, the internet hosts notable advertisements which can sway behaviour change,” said the BLCB In a letter signed by its director P.K Mbugi.
BLCB has also directed that it will take action against all betting firms that will fail to comply with the same.
“The BCLB in Conjunction with the Communication Authority of Kenya is consulting so as to give advertising guidelines for the digital framework. It is against this background that the board demands that all the gaming operators cease the use of the speed dial browser internet feature, offered specifically by the Opera Browser and other browser providers within the next seven days from the date of this circular,” BCLB said.
"We therefore give seven days to all the gaming operators to comply with the directive, the board anticipates with this directive failure to which, will amount to non-compliance with your operating requirements and it shall not hesitate to take necessary legal action and administrative action.
The decision comes after the Consumer Federation of Kenya (Cofek) wrote a demand letter in which it called out BCLB for allowing predator advertisemenT.
Cofek gave BCLB seven days to act and tame predator advertisements that have continued running on some of the media platforms.
The letter was addressed to the BLCB chairperson Dr Jane Makau and copied to the Communication Authority of Kenya Secretary General Ezra Chiloba.
" Take notice that if you do not comply with the afore-mentioned Demands, within the next seven days, as a matter of public interest we shall swiftly, and without any further reference to you, institute such legal action without further reference to yourselves," the letter read in part.
"While guidelines for advertising mediums such as TV, radio, outdoor and print were well detailed in the BCLB's advertising regulations dated 12/July 2021 as contained under Ref: BCLB 8/71 VOL.1(46), speed dial browser internet appears to be an exception."
Cofek says the exception creates a significant risk to Millions of minors with intermittent access to smartphones access- either with or without the express permission of their parents and guardians.
"The constitution protects a child from such advertisement," Cofek stated.