Kenya is one among the East African countries and became a republic on 12th December 1964. Due to the increased enthusiasm in sports and betting activities in Kenya, the interest in the sector has grown in the recent past. As more and more betting sites are available for Kenyan players, it is crucial to know the legal situation, history, and the best betting sites in Kenya. If you are a beginner or a professional who is in the process of choosing a reliable betting site to place your bets in Kenya this article is for you.
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Table of Contents
Summary of Key Events
The Attraction of Sports Betting in Kenya
Sports betting has gained popularity in the recent past as people seek for entertainment and at the same time a chance to make some money. The advancement in the use of mobile devices and the internet has even boosted this interest because it is now quite convenient to place bets on various sports teams and events.
Gambling Laws in Kenya Through the Years
The subject of gambling laws in Kenya has come a long way with the present day laws being a far cry from the olden days. Here’s a quick overview:
- 1966: The Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act (Cap 131) was passed to provide for the legal framework on the regulation of gambling.
- 2012: The Act has been amended to align with the current problems and potentials.
- 2023 (Proposed): This paper seeks to analyze the Kenya Gambling Control Bill 2023 which seeks to replace the existing laws with more stringent measures and the creation of the Gambling Regulatory Authority.
Key Regulatory Agencies
Kenya’s betting industry is overseen by several regulatory bodies to ensure fair play and compliance:
- Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB): The BCLB is an organization set by the Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act that has the role of issuing licenses and regulating the betting activities.
- Gambling Regulatory Authority (Proposed): This new body which is planned to replace the BCLB will be expected to offer a better supervision.
Licenses and Fees of Betting Sites in Kenya
The process and cost of getting a gambling license in Kenya is quite a number of steps and may not be cheap. Here’s a breakdown:
Types of Licenses
- Casino Operator License
- Bookmaker License
- Lottery License
- Gaming Machine License
- Online Gambling License
License Costs
- Casino Licenses: Hence, the initial and annual fees can be in millions of Kenyan shillings.
- Betting Licenses: Charges are likely to be in hundreds of thousands of shillings per year.
- Gaming Machine Licenses: Cheaper, estimated in relation to the number of machines.
- Lottery Licenses: The costs vary depending on the scope of the lottery.
- Online Gambling Licenses: Moderate to high depending on the other licenses.
Prohibited and Permitted Bets
Kenya’s gambling laws outline what types of bets are allowed and prohibited:
- Permitted Bets: This includes sports betting, lotteries, and casino games and other similar events.
- Prohibited Bets: Some of them include; betting on some politics events and under age gambling.
Most Used Betting Sites in Kenya
While selecting a betting sites one has to look for aspects such as the usability of the site, odds that are offered to the customers and the markets available. Here are some of the top betting sites in Kenya:
Dafabet
Dafabet
Reputation: Serving you well for more than ten years.
Features: Intuitive design, a wide choice of sports, secure methods of payment.
Bonuses: Free bet, cash back.Up To £130 + £5 Free Bets
22Bet
22Bet
Reputation: It is famous for its quick payouts and easily understandable features.
Features: Virtual sports, online casino games and.
Bonuses: New customers can get up to £122 in welcome bonus.Up to £122
Betmaster
Betmaster
Reputation: As for the betting experience, it is quite smooth.
Features: The main advantages which can be remarked are competitive odds and a great choice of markets.
Bonuses: Welcome Bonus, Daily promotions.Up To £1000 + £10 Free Bets
Major Events in Kenyan Sports History
Kenya’s rich sports history is marked by several milestone events:
- 1968 & 1972: kenyan Kipchoge Keino Olympic gold medals.
- 2012: David Rudisha winning in the 800m race.
- 2016: Vivian Cheruiyot’s gold in 5000m race.
- 2003 & 2009: Simba’s Africa cup title victories.
- 2008 & 2013: More so, Chiefs Kenya Lions’ ICC World Cricket League Division Two victories.
Celebrating Kenyan Sports Stars
Kenya has produced numerous legendary athletes who have brought glory to the nation:
- Kipchoge Keino: Gold medallist in 1500m and 5000m event of the Olympic games.
- David Rudisha: The following is the list of the 2012 Olympic Games champion in 800m race.
- Vivian Cheruiyot: Won the gold in the 5000m at the Olympic Games held in Rio de Janeiro in the year 2016.
- Eliud Kipchoge: It is the person who is reigning champion in the marathon race currently.
- Julius Yego: Olympic champion in javelin at the 2015 World Championships.
Laws on Gambling in Adjacent Countries
Kenya’s regulatory framework stands out in East Africa, but here’s a brief summary of gambling laws in three neighboring countries:
Uganda:
- As controlled by the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board.
- Gambling is permitted in the internet with the right permits and authorisation.
Tanzania:
- Licensed by the Gaming Board of Tanzania.
- Tight guidelines on the number of betting shops and the operations of online platforms.
Ethiopia:
- Operated by The Ethiopian National Lottery Administration.
- Restricted possibilities for gambling online.
Conclusion
The betting industry is continuously growing in Kenya due to the well-developed legal framework and the enthusiasm of the sports fans. Knowing the laws, the regulators, and the best betting sites will help you know what to do and where to go when betting. Ready to explore more? Subscribe to our newsletter and be in the know on everything that is going on in the Kenyan sports betting industry.
FAQ: Betting Sites in Kenya
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