MPs probe Aviator amid claims of addictive effect on youth
By Arnold Ngure, July 16, 2025Members of the National Assembly have put the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) on the spot over reports of the addictive nature of Aviator games across different registered betting companies’ platforms.
During the meeting with BCLB officials on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, Gilgil MP Martha Wangari raised concerns over the game’s unregulated spread, accusing the operators of contributing to financial hardship and targeting vulnerable groups through aggressive media promotion.
“The Gilgil lawmaker further urged the House to investigate and regulate Aviator, calling it “an addictive game of chance,” a statement from the National Assembly read in part.
Regulating Aviator
“I rise to seek a statement from the chairperson of the Committee on Finance regarding the measures being taken by the government in respect to its mandate of regulating and controlling gaming activities in Kenya, specifically the so-called Aviator game of chance,” Wangari stated.
Wangari also requested an inquiry into the game’s licensing status and its oversight by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB).
The matter was committed to the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning, culminating in the meeting with BCLB.
Plane with multiplier
The Aviator game is a popular online crash game developed by Spribe. It’s a simple yet engaging multiplayer game where players bet on an increasing multiplier that starts at 1x.
A small plane takes off, and as it flies higher, a multiplier increases. Players place their bets before the round starts.
The goal is to “cash out” their winnings before the plane flies away or “crashes,” at which point the multiplier stops, and all uncashed bets are lost.
Players have full control over when to cash out. The longer they wait, the higher the potential payout, but also the higher the risk of losing their bet if the plane crashes before they cash out.
Many versions of the game include a live chat and a leaderboard showing other players’ bets and cash-outs, adding a social and competitive element.
It is popular for its simplicity, fast-paced nature, and the thrill of deciding when to cash out, balancing risk and reward.