In Kenya, a storm has erupted with 23 TV stations threatened with imminent closure for allegedly defying a government order to suspend all betting ads for 30 days.
As reported by KDRTV, the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) issued a statement, alleging that the broadcasters opted to screen unauthorized betting content after the suspension was announced.
Denouncing the actions of the TV stations as “deliberate and widespread”, the statement went on to lambast the channels for encouraging viewers to participate in betting activity, in a direct violation of regulatory measures to curb problem gambling.
Now, the BCLB has officially written to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), requesting the immediate closure of the stations embroiled in the controversy.
There could also be legal consequences for the companies involved, with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) asked to investigate the matter.
The broadcasters involved in the situation, at risk of being shut down, include Kameme TV, Tohanchane TV, Favour Life TV, Swahili TV, Moja One, Michezo TV, Venus TV, and 16 others, mostly smaller, fledgling operators, which are largely dependent on advertising revenue, including the gambling industry.
New approach to gambling regulation
Government sources indicated the 30-day temporary ban was intended to buy time to assess how betting content is presented to the public audience, but the flouting of the order has caused alarm.
Regulators are supposedly concerned about the non-compliance, with questions raised on media ethics, while some media insiders believe the punitive crackdown is a step in the right direction to signal a fresh approach to gambling regulation in Kenya.
In particular, the escalation to the law agencies, beyond regulatory action, has caused shockwaves within the industry, as the broadcasters brace themselves for enforcement.
With unchecked gambling promotion on television seemingly coming to an end, the sector will be forced to change its ways and its advertising policy very soon.
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