Kenya, April 24 -- Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya has announced that the National Assembly will hold a discussion today to consider banning both the popular online betting game Aviator and jackpot gambling, citing their detrimental impact on Kenyans.
The outspoken lawmaker's call for a crackdown has reignited the national debate over the regulation of the betting industry.
In a statement shared widely on social media, Salasya emphasized the need for comprehensive action, saying, "We should ban both Aviator gambling and jackpots. We cannot ban Aviator alone and leave the jackpot issue unaddressed."
The proposed parliamentary debate follows growing concerns about the social and economic consequences of betting, particularly among youth and vulnerable populations.
The push to ban Aviator, a fast-paced game where players bet on the duration of a virtual airplane's flight, is not new.
On April 16, Gilgil MP Martha Wangari Wanjira raised alarms in Parliament about the game's addictive nature, noting reports of students gambling away school fees and parents losing savings.
Unlike traditional sports betting, Aviator's simplicity and instant feedback have made it highly engaging, fuelling its popularity and raising red flags about its impact.
Salasya's inclusion of jackpots in the proposed ban broadens the scope of the discussion, targeting a wider segment of the gambling industry. Jackpot games, often offered by betting firms like Sportpesa and Betika, promise large cash prizes but have been criticized for encouraging excessive gambling.
"Salasya's bold move puts the spotlight on Kenya's betting crisis, as pressure mounts on MPs to choose between regulation and a total crackdown," wrote a netizen.
The parliamentary finance committee, tasked with reviewing betting regulations, is expected to provide data on annual gambling expenditures and the role of the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) in overseeing the industry.
Questions about the legality of Aviator and the transparency of betting firms' operations are also likely to dominate the debate.
Netizens reflect a divide, with some users praising Salasya's initiative to protect Kenyans from financial ruin, while others argue that a ban could drive gambling underground, benefiting unregulated operators. "Will Parliament back his call, or will the gambling giants win the day again?" asked a netizen.
As the National Assembly convenes, all eyes are on whether MPS will support Salasya's push for a blanket ban or opt for stricter regulations to address the growing betting crisis.
The outcome could reshape Kenya's gambling landscape, a multi-billion-shilling industry that has both fuelled economic activity and sparked social concerns.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.