BCLB Pushes for Responsible Gambling and Unified Regulation Across Africa
At the 2025 Gaming Tech Summit Africa, iGaming AFRIKA spoke with the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) on efforts to strengthen regulation, deepen community impact, and advance regional cooperation, all aimed at fostering a more responsible and transparent gaming industry in Kenya.
Dr. Jane Makau, Chairperson of the BCLB, opened the conversation by emphasizing the importance of responsible gambling as a shared priority for both industry players and regulators. She stressed that Kenya’s growing gaming sector must be guided by principles that protect players and promote long-term sustainability.
As part of this effort, the BCLB, in a joint effort with AGOK, launched its flagship initiative, the “Chukua Control” campaign, a nationwide effort aimed at raising awareness about the risks of gambling addiction and encouraging more informed decision-making among players.
She went on to outline the board’s core pillars of responsible gambling: punters making informed choices; having control and limits; protection of vulnerable groups; fairness and integrity; having support services; self-exclusion options; and advertising and marketing ethics. “Corporate social responsibility is also critical,” she added, noting that for the gaming industry to remain sustainable, it must actively contribute to the communities it serves.
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Peter Mbugi, the Board’s CEO, emphasized the board’s expectation for operators to go beyond surface-level sponsorships and actively contribute to meaningful development initiatives. He noted that while many operators already support sports teams and sponsor various events, the board is encouraging a deeper commitment, one that channels resources into impactful projects within communities. This, he explained, includes initiatives such as providing water tanks in schools and organizing medical camps, which not only address real needs but also help shift the public perception of the gaming industry as being solely profit-driven.
He also urged the players to be fully aware of both the financial and psychological risks associated with gambling. Peter stressed the importance of self-awareness and moderation, warning that addiction is a real and serious consequence for those who fail to set limits. “As you gamble, know the dangers of gambling… know that you can be addicted. And once you are addicted, then the consequences are too much,” he cautioned. “Just gamble with money that you can lose. At the end of the day, there are two options in gambling. You either lose or gain. And in most cases, it’s 50/50.”
In a firm message, Mbugi advised those who haven’t started gambling to avoid it altogether, while encouraging current players to proceed with caution and responsibility. “If you have not started gambling, don’t start. And if you are gambling, do it responsibly. That is the key.” He also addressed pending legislation, revealing that the board has petitioned Parliament to require operators to contribute a portion of their revenue toward addiction awareness and treatment efforts.
Innocent Muganda, Director of the Board, emphasized the need for regulatory harmonization across African countries to prevent operators from exploiting differences in national laws. He noted that aligning regulations would create a more balanced and fair industry across the continent, ensuring that no jurisdiction becomes a loophole for irresponsible practices.
