The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has commenced enforcement of High Court order barring all gaming operators from the use of speed dial feature on all internet browsers majorly offered by the Opera Mini Browser and Google.
The move by the betting regulator is a win for Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK) and consumers following a petition lodged by the consumers’ lobby.
Through a letter dated February 16, 2024, BCLB Director Peter Mbugi wrote to all gaming operators ordering them to comply with the board’s directive failure to which the regulator will commence contempt of court charges against them.
“We make reference to the Board’s circular REF: BCLB 8/71 VOL.1 (157) dated 11th August 2023 on the use of ‘speed dial’ feature on the internet browsers. We further make reference to a court order issued by the High Court at Nairobi in the above-stated matter on 16th January 2024. This is therefore to directy that you cease with immediate effect, the use of the ‘speed dial’ feature on all internet browsers.” Mbugi noted.
He further warned that those who defy to comply will face necessary legal action.
“Failure to comply with the board’s directive shall lead to the commencement of the necessary processes as stipulated under Section 4 (1) (b) of the Betting Lotteries and Gaming Act, CAP 131 of the laws of Kenya in compliance with the order issued by the High Court. Be informed accordingly.” Mbugi cautioned.
In the petition, COFEK said that betting firms were using the feature to target Kenyan internet users, without a regard on age.
Among the gaming companies affected include Betika, OdiBets Kenya, Sportpesa, Peteta and 1XBET Kenya among others.
“Based on our research and consultations with line experts, we hereby confirm that browser providers, such as Opera, have introduced a “speed dial” feature, specifically curated for the Kenyan market. This offending feature, sponsored by betting firms (your licensees), ensures these betting services are prominently displayed, regardless of the user’s age, religion and other diversities.” COFEK said in a letter to BCLB.
A speed dial in a browser creates visual thumbnails of the user’s most visited websites, and the user can visit the websites with one click.
COFEK noted that the continued display of betting ads was creating a significant risk to millions of underage citizens who can intermittently access smart devices with or without permission from parents or guardians.
The consumers’ body, for instance, noted that a browser such as Opera Mini had introduced a speed dial feature specifically tailored for Kenya and which on any given day, was offering five to seven shortcuts to leading betting firms.
BCLB notes that the speed dial feature had been adopted by gaming operators leading to the prominent featuring of betting services without due regard to the age, vulnerability and other diversities of the internet users.
