This archive report was first published on 9 July 2019.
On July 9, 2019, the Betting and Licensing Board filed a petition to revive a suit that had led to the quashing of regulations banning outdoor and social media advertising of gambling.
The board, which regulates the industry, claimed that the court decision declaring the regulations null and void was made without its participation and input.
The regulations, which were introduced on May 2, 2019, banned the advertising of gambling between 6am and 10pm, as well as the endorsement by celebrities, in an effort to curb the sharp rise in betting that the State says has become a problem for the youth and the poor.
According to the board, the case proceeded to judgment without its participation, and it is seeking to revive the matter for fresh litigation and determination.
On May 28, 2019, Justice John Mativo ruled that the directive on banning advertisement on betting and gambling was not procedural and reasonable.
Under the quashed rules, any gambling advertising will need the regulator's approval and will be required to contain a warning message, which must constitute a third of the advertisement.
Investors and betting firms had until June 30, 2019, to comply with the new regulations or face closure, the State had warned.
The rules were meant to curb the growth in gambling, which has grown rapidly over the past five years, raking in Sh200 billion in annual sales, according to official data.
