Bars Betting Firms From Using ‘Speed Dial’ Browser Internet Features

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The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BLCB) has warned betting firms against using the ‘speed dial’ browser internet feature due to the risks they pose to minors and other vulnerable persons.

The regulator has given players such as Opera and others a period of seven days to stop using the feature or face penalties.

“It has come to the attention of the Board that some betting firms are advertising using the ‘speed dial’ browser internet feature without its authorization. It is against this background that the Board demands that all gaming operators cease the use of the ‘speed dial’ browser internet feature offered specifically by the Opera Browser and other browser providers within the next 7 days from the date of this circular” – it added.

This comes after the Consumer Federation of Kenya (Cofek) last week accused Opera of allowing betting ads to run on its platform haphazardly.

Cofek alleged that Opera had introduced a ‘speed dial’ feature that has been curated for the Kenyan market.

The feature, it argues, ensures betting services are prominently displayed, regardless of the user’s age, religion, and other diversities.

According to the 2010 Constitution of Kenya and the Children’s Act, 2001, a child is any individual under 18 years.

These laws ensure children are protected from all forms of real and/or potential abuse and exploitation.

BLCB adds that it is working with the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) to issue advertising guidelines for digital channels.

“The Board anticipates compliance with this directive failure to which, will amount to non-compliance with your operating requirements and it shall not hesitate to take the necessary legal and administrative actions Be informed accordingly.”

Source: capitalfm.co.ke