Matiang'i cracks whip on 19 betting firms

At least 19 betting firms have been locked out in a raft of stringent measures meant to control gambling.

A statement sent by Interior ministry to media houses indicated that the 19 firms had not passed security vetting.

The ministry said the firms would have their licences renewed only after their operations and those of their directors were cleared.

“The board has declined the renewal of licences for 19 firms awaiting security vetting,” a statement sent yesterday read.

This comes after Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i (pictured) vowed last week that some betting firms would lose operation licences.

“There is no nation on earth that has ever developed simply because its people concentrated in gambling. This one must be discouraged at all cost so that we can set a good foundation for our future,” he said.

The Betting Control and Licensing Board also deferred renewal of licences for 13 casinos, six lotteries and eight betting firms. However, it was not explained why they were deferred.

The State says it has regulated availability of betting places and who can bet by raising taxes.

In addition, the statement claimed the Government had changed regulations controlling betting.

It emerged that a multi-agency team will be reviewing licences of betting firms as they undergo quarterly review to determine their levels of compliance.

Betting firms had until yesterday to pay all their taxes or risk having their licences cancelled.