Happy News For Sports Fans As Top Betting Firms Cleared For Business

The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has licensed the giant gaming company, SportPesa among others, to operate in Kenya. The announcement comes as a sign of relief to millions of gaming and sports enthusiasts as uncertainty surrounded the issuance of new licenses following the expiry of all the licenses of betting firms on June 30, 2022.

Among those licensed to operate in Kenya by BCLB are SportPesa, Odibet, Mozart, and Betika which have huge investments in Kenya’s sports and health sectors. The other gaming firms which are still pursuing their permits, just like those that have been licensed so far, are required to get clearance from the Financial Reporting Centre and Kenya Revenue Authority as well as a bank guarantee of Ksh250,000 as part of the conditions for licensing.

“Clubs have really struggled to get by in the last two seasons of the top league, an issue that could have easily been resolved by some of these betting companies which are keen on partnering with football entities,” stated Kenya Premier League CEO Jack Oguda.

In one instance last season, Kakamega Homeboyz was given a walkover by FC Talanta with the latter’s players failing to attend the match over unpaid salaries and match-winning bonuses.

In the National Super League, Kirinyanga-based Fortune Sacco got a walkover from Gusii FC in the last stages of the league season, hence bagging points that elevated them to the first league – KPL – for next season.

The licensing of SportPesa is therefore welcome news to football among other sports.

SportPesa is renowned for supporting Kenyan grassroots football and promoting memorable sports events such as Nairobi Fight Nights and SportPesa Super 8 League. The giant gaming company is currently the main club sponsor of the National Super League (NSL) side Murang’a Seals.

The licensing of SportPesa also gives millions of Kenyans who are trying their luck to win the 234,684,045-shilling mega jackpot, which is now the largest in the region.

“Am happy that SportPesa is now fully licensed. Hata nikiekelea Mega, najua wathii wako area. Hawaendi mahali!” said John Kachipo, a gaming enthusiast.

On their part, Betika says that they are happy that BCLB has given them the mandate to operate in Kenya saying they will strive to support talent in the country. “This is great news for us and we thank BCLB for this show of support and trust.”

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