A recent uproar in the Kenya Parliament has been sparked by the growing popularity of the online betting game Aviator, leading lawmakers to call for swift government action to curb its spread and mitigate its effects on the public.
During a parliamentary session on April 16, 2025, Gilgil MP, Martha Wangari Wanjira, directed her concerns to the Committee on Finance, requesting a formal statement on what steps the government is taking to regulate Aviator and other similar games. She also demanded a review of the game’s legal status under the Betting Control and Licensing Board.
“I rise to seek a statement from the chairperson of the Committee on Finance regarding the measures being taken by the government in respect to its mandate of regulating and controlling gaming activities in Kenya, specifically the so-called Aviator game of chance,” she said.
Wangari further called for a probe into the game’s legal status in Kenya, raising concern over disturbing reports that some students are using school fees to gamble, while parents risk their life savings chasing quick wins.
“This craze has terrorized both women and men, as well as our youth, by swallowing up livelihoods,” Wangari warned. “There are numerous cases of students gambling on their school fees and parents gambling on their savings.”
Another critical issue Martha Wangari raised was the aggressive marketing tactics employed by betting firms. According to her, these companies strategically advertised during peak viewing and listening hours, often adding promotional content to major news bulletins.
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“There has been a drive by registered gaming firms to place advertisements on leading TV and radio stations during prime time with their abnormal profits amassed. “There is evidence of a firm whose betting and gaming activities are part of prime-time news in one of the most watched TV stations in the country,” Wangari noted.
The Committee on Finance was given until Thursday, April 17, to table the reports and respond to the questions raised. The outcome may influence future regulatory steps regarding digital betting games in Kenya and their promotion across national media platforms
