27 Betting Sites Ordered to Shut Down in Kenya Over Licensing Breaches

The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has issued a stern directive suspending the operations of 27 betting companies across Kenya. The affected platforms have been flagged for breaching regulatory requirements, including operating without valid licenses, receiving mobile payments unlawfully, and failing to settle customer winnings.

In a communication addressed to major mobile payment providers—namely Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom Kenya—the board instructed the immediate suspension of all paybill numbers and SMS shortcodes linked to the named companies. According to BCLB Acting Director Liti Wambua, the crackdown is part of a broader effort to clean up the betting sector and enforce accountability.

Companies Affected

Among the betting sites ordered to halt operations are:

1. SportPesa
2. Betin
3. Betway
4. Betpawa
5. Elitebet
6. PremierBet
7. Lucky2u
8. 1xBet
9. MozzartBet
10. Dafabet
11. World Sports Betting
12. Atari Gaming
13. Palms Bet
14. Betboss
15. Kick-Off
16. Millionaire Sports Bet
17. Chezacash
18. Betyetu
19. Bungabet
20. Cysabet
21. Saharabet
22. Easibet
23. Eastleighbet
24. Sportybet
25. AGB Lottery & Gaming
26. Crash KE
27. Aviator KE

These platforms have been accused of evading regulatory oversight, sidestepping taxation obligations, and offering services to the public without approval—offenses that are in direct violation of Kenya’s gaming laws.

Why It Matters

The betting industry in Kenya has grown rapidly in recent years, but with that growth has come concerns over tax evasion, addiction, and exploitation of vulnerable populations—especially young people. The BCLB’s action signals a renewed push by the government to bring order to the sector, ensuring only compliant and licensed operators remain active.

The board has advised the public to avoid using these platforms until they resolve their compliance issues. Consumers are encouraged to verify the licensing status of any betting company before placing wagers.
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