The Kenyan government is intensifying its efforts to reduce the number of players in the local gambling sector. Spearheaded by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), the government has pledged to act against unauthorised betting websites that have generated public outcry by operating without the board’s sanction.
After noting complaints from concerned citizens about platforms exploiting users via betting schemes, the BCLB claims to have investigated these allegations and found some online sites guilty.
“Investigations by the Board reveal that these fraudulent sites scam bettors by accepting deposits via pay bill numbers or STK push services, only to withhold payouts. Additionally, the platforms violate the gaming regulations set by the Board, necessitating their immediate shutdown.” BCLB stated in a notice to the public.
In addition to immediately shutting down 58 betting platforms, the BCLB has ordered Safaricom PLC Limited to immediately suspend all associated Pay Bill numbers.
Despite these actions, there remains a high number of gambling platforms in Kenya, with the BCLB listing 221 licensed operators on its website.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has reminded all licensed firms that the operating licenses issued by BCLB for the 2024/2025 financial year will expire on 30 June, 2025. A KRA clearance will be a mandatory requirement for renewal.
List of Illicit Betting Websites Operating Without Authorisation
| Cheza crash | Pesa spin | Shinda crash |
| Skai crash | Pesa chap | Jumbo tickets |
| Crash ke | Pawa crash | Q bet |
| Simple crash | Pesa pawa | Top crash |
| Aviator VIP | Pepea Pro | Plan bet |
| Aviator pesa | Bingo crash | Game mapro |
| Aviator ke | 1win kenya | Metabet |
| Luckybet ke | Casino bonus | Pesa pawa |
| Nimbo crash | Pata mia | Win sasa |
| Mita sita | Play mania | Aviator game |
| Saf crash | Jet X | Maybets |
| Vuma Bet | Peperusha | Box crash |
| Next papi | Supa Krash | Pawa crash |
| Chachisha | Cheza Aviator | Pepea crash |
| Bet 222 | Cheza game | Pepea |
| Uvoset games | Aviator 254 | Pesa crash |
| Box crash | Nimble bet | Win |
| Win ksh | Fanika bet | Win ksh |
| Aviator | Inuka bet | Shinda crash |
| Cheza crash | Kamata bet | Jumbo tickets |
This move corresponds with the government’s action to suspend betting ads on all platforms for 30 days. It is also supported by a KFCB directive that all gambling ads must be licensed by them before airing.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) also promised to support BCLB in its oversight role and ensure that all gaming operators comply with gaming regulations.
In a statement, DCI said, “We will take stern action against operators who violate these regulations, including those involved in illegal betting syndicates or those operating unauthorised online and physical platforms to evade regulatory scrutiny.”
