Dual perspectives on the matter: insights from those involved
A heated argument about Kenya's gaming industry is brewing, and it doesn't seem like it's cooling down anytime soon. Mainstream media has painted the sector in a unfavorable light, but some industry insiders are expressing concerns about these negative portrayals. One of these insiders is Thomas Buckley, a well-known figure in Kenyan betting and a licensee lawyer at the Supreme Court of Kenya. With decades of experience under his belt, Buckley brings a unique perspective to the discussion about how reporting affects the industry.
Responding to Media Fuss
In a bold move, Buckley recently lodged a complaint with the Kenya Press Council, accusing the media of spreading misinformation. Buckley believes that sensation-seeking journalism disregards ethical principles and unfairly tarnishes the reputation of responsible operators, weakening the regulatory environment that supports the sector. "Articles lack objectivity and overlook ethical considerations," Buckley wrote in his formal complaint. He emphasized that the media fails to verify the legitimacy of licenses held by operators or their adherence to regulations.
Buckley also pointed out the importance of giving all involved parties a fair shake, including the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), the body responsible for regulating the sector. "The media did not offer a chance for either the operators or the BCLB, the designated regulator to ensure compliance and protection," he noted.
Due to this imbalanced reporting, public sentiment can be easily swayed, and the livelihoods of thousands of Kenyans working in the gaming industry can be affected.
Economic Domino Effect
The distorted image of the industry in traditional media carries far-reaching consequences, especially considering that over 22 million Kenyans are connected to the internet and approximately 13 million use social media. According to Buckley, this approach "damages the industry before rational people", potentially causing a decline in participation in legal betting games. This situation not only impacts job security in the sector but can also lead to significant economic losses. "This type of coverage only harms law-abiding operators, the thousands of Kenyans they employ, and the many more who benefit from the sector indirectly," he stated.
The loss of public trust and customers puts job security in the sector at risk. Furthermore, the decline in local betting activity could result in a substantial reduction in tax revenue for the government. But the consequences go beyond just the local economy. A decrease in betting could lead to an increase in betting on foreign online platforms, further complicating the issue.
Now, things get tricky. The presence of a legitimate concern about gambling addiction and the survival of a regulated and responsible industry find themselves at opposite ends of the spectrum. The challenge lies in finding harmony that acknowledges the economic contributions and cautions about irresponsible practices.
Fed up with the one-sided reporting, industry representatives are demanding a more responsible approach to journalism. They urge for more balanced and accurate coverage, as well as a platform for diverse perspectives to create a more informed society and healthy economic environment.
The heated debate over Kenya's gaming industry reveals the importance of responsible journalism. It's high time to provide a voice for industry stakeholders who have a vested interest in the sector's growth. Shining a light on both the risks of addiction and economic impacts creates a more comprehensive understanding of this complex issue.
Thomas Buckley, a licensee lawyer at the Supreme Court of Kenya, lodged a complaint with the Kenya Press Council, accusing the media of spreading misinformation about the igaming industry in Kenya. Buckley highlighted the importance of giving all involved parties a fair shake, including the regulators and operators, in ensuring compliance and protection. He emphasized that inaccurate and biased reporting could harm not only the operators but also the thousands of Kenyans working in the sector and the government's tax revenue. Now, things get tricky as the challenge lies in finding a balance that acknowledges the economic contributions of the industry and the concern about irresponsible practices, hoping for a more responsible approach to journalism.
