Under the agreement reached, the Betting Licensing and Control Board, the Board, the Attorney General, and CS Information have approved a ban on the use of the ‘Speed Dial’ feature in internet browsers to promote betting, lotteries, and games. The feature allowed consumers to reach a betting company’s website with a single click, making it quick and convenient to participate in gambling.

The decision was the result of an agreement reached as a result of a petition filed by the Consumer Federation of Kenya (Cofek) last year. The court approved the agreement, resolving only one of the contentious issues raised in the petition. The Betting Control and Licensing Board hereby ordered all gaming operators to stop using the speed dial feature immediately.

In their petition, Cofek made the claim that the speed dial feature posed a threat to consumers, especially children, due to the negative impact associated with the advertising activities of gambling establishments. They pointed out that the feature ignores the ongoing efforts of the communications management campaign to protect children in the online space.

According to Cofek, the use of the speed dial feature by betting shops and other parties signifies an unwillingness or inability to regulate and monitor advertising practices, which can pose a serious risk to consumers, especially children and young people. This is an important statement from an organization that is committed to protecting the interests of consumers and keeping them safe in the online environment. Many young people are already actively gambling and betting. For example, right here, you can easily find affordable casinos with live dealers and other games that don’t check returns when you sign up. And the speed dial feature will put youngsters at even greater risk.

The Cofek Consumer Federation claims that the illegal use of the speed dial feature carries a potential risk to consumers, as it allows the spread of information that could be harmful and unfavorable. They have channeled their efforts to fight the issue through the courts and regulatory bodies.

While the case is pending, it is not only the issue of the speed dial feature that is being challenged but other aspects as well, including an order for the regulator to turn off any or all internet browsers involved in advertising betting, gambling, and related activities. This demonstrates that Cofek is committed to extensive regulation and oversight in the areas of gambling, advertising, and consumer safety.