Best Betting Sites in Kenya

Sports Betting Regulation in Kenya

Gambling is legal in Kenya. Therefore, you can join an online betting site to explore different betting opportunities. However, there are intricacies to the betting market in Kenya. Before you join active betting sites in the country, we recommend that you understand Kenyan sports betting regulations and other laws that surround the overall betting industry. That way, you can find your way to the best betting site for your next adventure or try more niche options, such as the best football betting sites available in the country. We've broken down the sports betting regulations in Kenya in this section.

The Betting Control and Licensing Board

In Kenya, all gambling activities, including online betting, are regulated by the Betting Control and Licensing Board or BCLB. Most betting sites that want to operate in Kenya must adhere to the regulations set by the board. Without a license from the BCLB, the betting site isn't permitted to provide any gambling forms to players in the country. So, before you join any Kenyan betting site, we advise that you check if it is operating under this regulatory body. The BCLB Kenya was created in 1966 through Section 3(1) of the Betting, Lotteries, and Gaming Act Cap. 131 of the Laws of Kenya of 1966, which was later revised in 2012.

Responsibilities and Power

The regulatory body draws its mandate from the Act, providing for the licensing and control of Gaming and Betting premises plus various activities carried out within them. The body also oversees the eradication of illegal gambling in the country. The BCLB has the following powers:

• The issuance of licenses and permits
• Ability to cancel or suspend licenses or permits
• Ability to inquire into lodged complaints against permit-holders and licensees

The BCLB is in charge of the running and regulation of the sports betting market in Kenya. Therefore, any sports betting site that wants to operate in the country must adhere to the rules. However, there are a few limitations to the board's power. For instance, they can only suspend a license or permit for a maximum of 14 days. Additionally, the board can't cancel a license or permit without the holder getting the opportunity to show cause against the cancellation or variation.

The board's main focus is to ensure that players are protected. Therefore, when a player chooses their preferred betting site, they can rest assured that they will enjoy an incredible betting experience and won't be treated unfairly.

Control and Licensing of Betting in Kenya

The BCLB sees control and licensing of betting in Kenya. Online sports betting sites that want to operate under control must meet the conditions set by the control board if they want to receive an operating license to provide the opportunity for players to bet online. The good thing is that the requirements aren't too stringent, and so many betting sites are able to operate in the country. Players can try their luck with offline options or go online to explore different betting sites for a chance to place bets on games. Another thing to understand is that the sites are regulated under the Betting, Lotteries, and Gaming Act, which outlines the legal framework for gaming activities and betting in the country.

Types of Gambling Licenses in Kenya

In Kenya, there are different license types that operators can obtain if they want to provide betting opportunities. We've highlighted some of these licenses below. You can check them out to learn more about the licensing of betting websites and other establishments in the Kenyan betting market.

• Bookmaker Licenses: This license is issued to operators who want to provide land-based and online sports betting platforms to Kenyan players.

• Totalisator License: This license permits holders to offer pool betting on various events or competitions, including horse racing and dog racing.

• Pool Betting Scheme License: With this license, holders can organize and operate various gambling activities like slot machines and bingo.

• Public Gaming License: This license enables its holders to operate casinos, including online casinos and other public gambling establishments, to provide casino games to players in the country.

• Public Lottery Permit: This permit is issued to operators who want to conduct public lotteries for mostly charitable purposes.

• Prize Competition Permit: This permit is for operators who want to organize or conduct competitions with various prizes that don't exceed a certain amount.

The good thing is that operators can opt-in for multiple licenses if they meet the set conditions. Once approved, they can provide multiple gambling opportunities to players. So, you can get a football betting site, basketball betting sites, tennis betting sites, casino gaming platform, virtual games, and others from one operator.

Permissions, Restrictions, and Fees

Before new betting sites can operate in the country, they must obtain a bookmaker license from the BCLB. With this license, they can provide access to Kenyan players for the opportunity to place bets on various betting markets and sporting events. Most popular betting sites in the country have a license from this control board.

Fees

Before an operator can obtain a bookmaker license, they must pay certain fees. Below are the different fees the operator must pay for this license.

• Application Fee: In this case, the operator must pay at least Ksh 1 million, which is approximately US$8,300 for the application fee.

• License Fee: The operator must pay at least Ksh 20 million, which is approximately US$166,000 annually for the license fee.

• Renewal Fee: The operator is expected to pay Ksh 10 million, approximately US$83,000 annually for the renewal fee.

• Annual Levy: This levy doesn't have a fixed amount. For this levy, the company must pay at least 2% of the gross income annually.

Restrictions

There are certain restrictions when it comes to sports betting in Kenya. So, before getting started, you should check out these restrictions so you know what to avoid.

• The permitted age is 18. Therefore, players must be at least 18 before they are allowed to place sports bets in Kenya.

• Operating any gambling activities, including sports betting, without a license is prohibited in the country. Additionally, accepting bets from minors, manipulating outcomes, and using unlicensed payment methods are prohibited.

• There are also advertising restrictions in the country. These restrictions govern the time, channels, and content allowed.

• Betting operators are also subjected to about 35% taxation of their gross profit.

Key Facts & Stats about Betting in Kenya

Popular Payment Methods for Kenyan Betting Sites

Kenya is a haven for top betting sites. Some of the fastest-growing betting sites have set up shop in the country since the sports betting market is regulated and any operator that can meet the requirements is granted a license. However, there are a few restrictions, and among them is the fact that the use of unlicensed payment methods is prohibited. The control board ensures that bettors have access to a smooth adventure and can deposit or withdraw without hassle. Below are some of the most popular payment methods the best casino betting sites in Kenya feature.

E-Wallet

When it comes to gambling, generally, e-wallets are a popular option for bettors. They are convenient payment methods that allow players to deposit money without stress, and when they win, they can use these options to withdraw funds without hassle. E-wallet services are worthwhile options that most of the best sports betting sites in the country feature as part of their payment method lists. So, you might want to consider this option if you're looking for a hassle-free option to use for your next betting adventure.

There are many e-wallet payment options to consider in Kenya. All you need to do is find the right one you can use and select a suitable betting site that accepts the method. That way, you can enjoy a smooth experience. We've highlighted some of the popular e-wallet options you can consider in Kenya below. Pick the one you like and start playing for real money.

• Skrill
• PayPal
• Neteller
• M-Pesa

Mobile Payments

If you don't like the idea of e-wallets, you can check out mobile payment options. Many free betting sites let you use these options to complete transactions and enjoy a simple gambling experience. With them, you can get started using your phone and do everything on your mobile. Even if you're focusing on the best football betting site, you can still use these options. Some top betting sites even let you claim exclusive deposit bonus offers when you use these mobile payment methods. In that case, these options are useful for betting in Kenya. You simply need to find the right one to choose, and you're good to go.

IIf you don't know where to start, we've highlighted some popular mobile payment methods you can consider. Pick one and use it at your preferred betting site to deposit or withdraw funds. Some good options include:

• Airtel money
• MTN mobile money
• Apple Pay
• Google Pay
• Pesapal

Choose any of these methods and consider them for your next betting adventure. Fortunately, these methods are popular among top betting sites. Additionally, some new betting sites also feature them. So, they are worthwhile options.

Bank-Based Methods

You can also use your bank account to complete transactions at betting sites. You can transfer funds directly from or into your bank account at various online betting sites in Kenya. Or, you can consider other bank-based payment methods, depending on the one that's most convenient for your betting journey. All you need to do is find a suitable site that accepts these methods, and you're good to go. The good thing is that these methods are popular in the community. Therefore, it is possible to find a top site that accepts them as a payment option.

There are many popular bank-based methods you can use. Below are a few popular options to consider. Check them out and use them for your next adventure.

• Online banking
• Credit and debit cards
• Bank transfer

You should also note that there are different services that provide bank-based payment options to players. You can check them out. You should also know that some of these services don't support withdrawals. So, you might want to consider other options if you want to use them.

Cryptocurrencies

You can take your focus away from fiat payment options if you want a different experience. Cryptocurrencies are a good way to go once you understand the intricacies of the industry and how it works. You don't want to jump into the crypto world without understanding the highs and lows. The good thing is that there are many positives to cryptocurrencies. There are many crypto options to explore, but once you find a suitable crypto betting site to join in Kenya, you should get access to a smooth betting experience. Some good options to check out include:

• Bitcoin
• Ethereum
• Tether
• Litecoin

You should know that the crypto market is volatile, and prices can change drastically at any time. So, you might not put all your money into the project without first understanding the risks. Take your time to check out the crypto market. You should also be careful with how you invest.

With the right betting sites, you will get a top-notch betting experience. But with the many betting options available in Kenya, it is tricky. You have the option of local and international betting sites. Therefore, it can be tedious even with the different tips we've provided. However, our objective is to make it easy for you. So, we take the time to find some of the most trusted betting sites in Kenya. All you need to do is check the table above and pick the one that fits. From there, you can start your next betting adventure with free bets or other bonuses while you enjoy a smooth experience.

Conclusion

Kenya is one of the African countries with a regulated betting industry. For many years, gambling has been legalized, and as the industry improves, the laws have been adjusted to ensure a more controlled environment is achieved. In Kenya, you can enjoy access to some of the best betting sites. The good thing is that these sites come with different incentives, including welcome bonus offers, free bets, exciting betting features, and more. Simply pick a suitable Kenyan betting site from our list and start enjoying a smooth betting adventure today!