It is a sigh of relief to Sportpesa customers as the betting firm is officially cleared by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to resume its operations.
The firm which has been facing tax evasion charges is now good to go, with getting a license from the Betting Control and Licensing Board is the only pending issue.
The firm announced that it will be applying for a new license from the BCLB and through a positive engagement it had with the government, the operations are yet to commence.
“Our sessions with regulators and government are targeted towards creating a better understanding of the gaming industry with the view of creating a shared perspective on related regulation, including tax administration,” SportPesa said.
This is good news to Sportpesa customers and all those whose operations were brought to a standstill due to the revocation of the firm’s license.
As a result of the license revocation, Sportpesa had announced that it had canceled all sponsorships and advertisements in Kenya.
The firm claimed that Kenya has an unfavorable business environment for investors who are seeking to invest and grow the local talents.
Together with other 26 betting firms, Sportpesa had its license revoked on grounds of being non-tax-compliant and the firm’s attempts to have its license renewed had been futile.
Sportpesa dismissed the claims that it was not tax-compliant, stating that it is one of the most tax-paying firms in Kenya.
However, with consistent discussions and engagements with Government agencies, the firm got a breakthrough and will soon be back to operations.
“There has been notable progress in these sessions and we are pleased that Kenya Revenue Authority has now cleared us to have our license renewed,” the firm announced.
After getting greenlight from KRA, Sportpesa assured customers that it will work to ensure the government long-term goals are achieved by getting involved in the development of the country.
“We reaffirm our commitment to supporting the government’s economic development agenda by operating as a law-abiding business that is committed to tax compliance,” Sportpesa added.
Sportpesa now joins Betway who recently got cleared by KRA in resuming operations in the gambling sector.
Other betting companies that have since been cleared by KRA are Mozzart Bet, Odi Bets, Eastleigh Bet, Lucky to you, Ken bookmakers, Palms bet, Bet boss, Kick off and Easi bet.
Read Also: The Tax Compliance War: Why KRA Is Not Being Genuine, Case of SportPesa