The gambling crisis in Kenya, particularly surrounding the addictive online betting game Aviator and the unregulated growth of gambling advertisements, has sparked public outrage in recent weeks. This issue, compounded by allegations of government complicity and inadequate regulation, highlights a deeper societal problem that demands urgent and sustainable solutions.
Background and Public Uproar
Over the past two weeks, Kenyans have voiced growing concerns about the devastating impact of betting and gambling, with the Aviator game at the center of the controversy. Aviator, a high-speed betting game where players wager on how long a virtual plane will “fly” before crashing, has been criticized for its addictive mechanics, which trigger neurological responses similar to slot machines.
Its simplicity, no prior knowledge or skills required, makes it particularly appealing to vulnerable groups, including unemployed youth and students. Social media platforms, especially X, have been flooded with stories of financial ruin, depression, and even suicides linked to gambling losses, with Aviator frequently cited as a primary culprit. For instance, a small-scale businesswoman in Kakamega reportedly took her life after losing KSh 60,000 on Aviator, and a man from Kiambu lost KSh 220,000, selling personal assets to cover his losses.
The public’s anger has also been directed at the aggressive marketing tactics of betting firms. Advertisements flood prime-time television, radio, billboards, and social media, often featuring celebrities and influencers who glamorize gambling as a quick path to wealth without disclosing its risks. These ads, aired during watershed hours (5:00 am to 10:00 pm), expose minors and vulnerable populations to gambling content, exacerbating addiction rates. Critics, including blogger Cyprian Nyakundi, have accused media houses like Royal Media Services and their executives, such as SK Macharia, of complicity in promoting these platforms for profit, with some ads allegedly featuring staged “winners” to lure bettors.
Allegations of government involvement have further fueled the uproar. Claims have surfaced that powerful figures, including politicians like Oscar Sudi, allegedly linked to betting firms such as Bangbet, benefit from the industry’s profits, shielding it from strict regulatory oversight. Posts on X have accused the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) Chairperson, Rev. Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau, of blocking efforts by CEO Peter Mbugi to ban Aviator, with suggestions of bribery and corruption within the regulator. These claims, while unverified, have intensified calls for transparency and accountability.
Recent Government and Regulatory Actions
In response to the public outcry, the Kenyan government and regulatory bodies have taken several steps, though many argue these are superficial and temporary:
- Suspension of Gambling Advertisements: On April 29, 2025, the BCLB imposed a 30-day ban on all gambling advertisements across all media platforms, including TV, radio, social media, billboards, SMS campaigns, and celebrity endorsements. The ban, effective immediately, was prompted by concerns that gambling was being misrepresented as a “legitimate investment opportunity,” particularly during watershed hours, exposing minors to addiction risks. Operators must now submit ads to the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) for approval, a move criticized as misaligned since KFCB’s mandate focuses on film classification, not advertising regulation.
- Crackdown on Illegal Betting Sites: On the same day, the BCLB shut down over 50 unlicensed betting websites, including Cheza Crash, Skai Crash, Vuma Bet, and Aviator 254, for operating without approval and violating gambling regulations. These sites were accused of scamming users by accepting deposits via mobile payment channels like paybill numbers and STK push services while withholding payouts. The BCLB directed the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) and Safaricom to block these websites and suspend their paybill numbers.
- Audit of Aviator and Crash Games: Prior to the ad ban, on March 31, 2025, the BCLB ordered all licensed operators to submit their Aviator and crash games for regulatory review within seven days, citing concerns over fairness, transparency, and consumer protection. Operators were required to disclose game mechanics, betting processes, outcome algorithms, and independent audit certifications. Non-compliance risked suspension or license revocation. This directive followed earlier parliamentary scrutiny, with Gilgil MP Martha Wangari Wanjira demanding clarity on Aviator’s legal status and its regulation by the BCLB.
- KRA’s Tax Compliance Reminder: The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) issued a statement on April 29, 2025, reminding licensed betting and gaming firms to ensure tax compliance for BCLB license renewals. This followed the crackdown on illegal operators and was seen as an attempt to tighten fiscal oversight. However, critics argue that focusing on tax compliance does little to address the social harms of gambling addiction.
- Formation of a Multi-Agency Task Force: The BCLB established a multi-agency team, including the Ministry of Interior, the Attorney General’s Office, law enforcement, tax authorities, and the media council, to enforce responsible gambling practices and formulate long-term policy recommendations. The government also formed a rapid response team to tackle youth gambling addiction.
- Approval of Licensed Sites: On May 2, 2025, the BCLB clarified that eight betting sites initially flagged as illegal were mistakenly shut down and were allowed to resume operations after confirming compliance. This raised questions about the regulator’s due diligence and enforcement consistency.
Recent Data on the State of Gambling in Kenya
- Market Size and Growth: Statista estimates that Kenya’s sports betting market will hit $166.46 million (Sh21.6 billion) by the end of 2025, with total gambling revenue reaching $1.21 billion (Sh157.3 billion). The market is projected to grow 2.08% annually, reaching $1.31 billion and 1.3 million users by 2029.
- Gambling Participation: The GeoPoll “Betting in Africa 2025” report shows that 79% of Kenyan respondents participate in betting, third in Africa after South Africa and Uganda. While football betting is the most popular (61%), Aviator has risen to second place, with 19% of respondents naming it as their main choice.
- Spending Patterns: According to GeoPoll, 57% of Kenyan gamblers spend under $10 (Sh1,300) per month, 28% spend $10–$25 (Sh3,250), 3% spend $25–$50 (Sh6,500), 6% spend $50–$100 (Sh13,000), 3% spend $100–$500 (Sh65,000), and another 3% spend more than $500.
- Economic Impact: In June 2024, the Kenya Revenue Authority collected Sh24.3 billion from betting companies, up from Sh19.2 billion the previous year. Gambling revenue now represents about 1% of the national budget. Total annual gambling expenditure in Kenya is nearing Sh1 trillion, with further increases expected.
- Social Impact: Gambling is increasingly linked to debt, mental illness, and suicide, particularly among young people. Mental health professionals report rising cases of gambling-related anxiety and suicidal thoughts, especially in urban clinics. The State Department for Public Health has labeled online gambling a major threat to mental health and economic wellbeing.
Jefferson Wachira is a writer at Africa Digest News, specializing in banking and finance trends, and their impact on African economies.