{"id":61,"date":"2025-08-13T20:03:17","date_gmt":"2025-08-13T20:03:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tdi_169_856"},"modified":"2025-08-16T14:58:42","modified_gmt":"2025-08-16T14:58:42","slug":"social-media-marketing-for-franchises-is-meant-for-women","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fynder.co.ke\/?p=61","title":{"rendered":"Influencers Worried By New Gambling Ad Rules"},"content":{"rendered":"

As global regulators tighten the reins on gambling promotion, social media influencers find themselves caught in the crossfire\u2014worried, sidelined, and urgently seeking dialogue to protect their livelihoods.<\/p>\n

A Global Crackdown Takes Hold<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

In Kenya, the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) recently unveiled sweeping new rules that prohibit influencers, celebrities, and content creators from appearing in gambling advertisements. The aim is clear: curb glamorized depictions of betting and curb youth exposure to addictive content by dissociating gambling from fame or success.<\/span>(Samora<\/a>,2025)<\/span><\/i> .<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Meta, too, has joined the tightening trend\u2014now requiring rigorous licensing, identity verification, and bans on ad targeting under-18s across Facebook and Instagram<\/span>(<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span>Byers,2025)<\/a>.<\/span><\/span> Meanwhile, in Brazil, the Senate has banned celebrity endorsements, restricted sports sponsorships, and imposed watersheds on gambling ads.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

Uncertainty and Outrage<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Kenyan influencers have been vocal in expressing concern about the sudden loss of a major revenue stream. Mercy Kamande, a Nairobi-based creator, noted, “This will affect a lot of us.”<\/em> Creators are scrambling to find alternative partnerships as betting brands previously accounted for a significant portion of their income <\/span>(Mutiria,2025).<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Media personality Willis Raburu emphasized the lack of consultation around these decisions, calling for broader stakeholder engagement: \u201cThey should have consulted more widely. \u2026 Call all the relevant parties together for a discussion to reach common ground\u201d(<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>Mutiria,2025).<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

The Economic Stakes Are High<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Kenya\u2019s betting and gaming sector is a major economic force. In the 2024\/25 financial year alone, the government collected 19.6\u202fbillion Kenyan shillings in excise duties and taxes from the industry(<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>Mutiria,2025).<\/a><\/span><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

While the Association of Gaming Operators\u2013Kenya supports responsible advertising, its chair, Sasa Krneta, urges regulators and influencers to work together to craft clearer, balanced standards.<\/span><\/p>\n

Emerging International Echoes<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Australia is taking a similarly guarded approach. Authorities, including the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), are investigating social media influencers who broadcast gambling content\u2014sometimes involving children as young as 12. Concerns focus on normalizing risky behavior and encouraging underage participation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Beyond Kenya: A Worldwide Shift<\/strong><\/h3>\n

These developments reflect a broader trend: influencers who once promoted betting platforms now face bans and, in some cases, sanctions.<\/span><\/p>\n