Kenya’s Betting Regulator Implements Court Order Against Speed Dial Feature on Internet Browsers

The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has taken decisive action to enforce a High Court order aimed at curbing the use of the speed dial feature by gaming operators on internet browsers, specifically those provided by Opera Mini Browser and Google. This move comes in response to a petition by the Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK) and concerns regarding the indiscriminate targeting of Kenyan internet users, including minors, by betting firms.

BCLB Director Peter Mbugi issued a letter instructing all gaming operators to promptly comply with the directive outlined in both the Board's circular from August 11, 2023, and the court order issued on January 16, 2024. Failure to adhere to these instructions will result in legal action, potentially including contempt of court charges.

This enforcement action demonstrates the BCLB's commitment to upholding regulatory measures that prioritize consumer protection and safeguard vulnerable populations, particularly minors, from potentially harmful online content and practices. By holding gaming operators accountable for their use of features that could facilitate the promotion of gambling services to inappropriate audiences, the BCLB is sending a clear message about the importance of responsible and ethical behavior in the online gaming industry.

COFEK's petition shed light on the exploitation of the speed dial feature by betting firms, which utilized it to prominently display their services to users without regard for age or other demographics. This feature, presenting visual thumbnails of frequently visited websites, facilitated the prominent display of betting advertisements, posing a risk to underage citizens who might access smart devices.

The directive for affected gaming companies such as Betika, OdiBets Kenya, Sportpesa, Peteta, and 1XBET Kenya to immediately cease the use of the speed dial feature represents a significant step in addressing concerns regarding the indiscriminate targeting of internet users, particularly minors, by betting firms in Kenya.

By discontinuing the use of this feature, these gaming companies are being compelled to reconsider their advertising practices and their responsibility to ensure that their services are not being accessed inappropriately by vulnerable individuals. This move underscores the importance of regulatory intervention to protect consumers, especially minors, from potential harm caused by the unchecked promotion of gambling services online. It also emphasizes the need for industry stakeholders to prioritize ethical advertising practices and consider the well-being of their users.

BCLB's acknowledgment that gaming operators adopted this feature without considering the age or vulnerability of internet users highlights the need for stricter regulations and oversight in the online gaming industry. The enforcement of the court order signifies a victory for consumer protection in Kenya, emphasizing the importance of regulatory measures to safeguard vulnerable populations from harmful online content and practices.

By taking action to prevent the exploitation of features like speed dial for the promotion of gambling services, the BCLB is sending a clear message about prioritizing the well-being of consumers, particularly minors, in the digital landscape. This underscores the broader need for ongoing efforts to ensure responsible and ethical practices among online service providers, with a focus on protecting those most susceptible to potential harm.