17 to be deported in betting crackdown

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Those whose flights were available were scheduled to leave the country last evening, officials said. Immigration officials said most of the deportees were from countries in Eastern Europe. The Government recently ordered all betting firms to apply afresh for operating licences, starting July.For More of This and Other Stories, Grab Your Copy of the Standard Newspaper.
The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has roped in commercial banks and the communication sector regulator in its ongoing crackdown. So far, the firms’ pay-bill numbers have been deactivated, affecting 12 million accounts. The Central Bank of Kenya has also written to the banks and ordered them to close the firms’ accounts. According to CBK, it notified the banks of the BCLB’s failure to renew their permit for the July 1, 2019 to July 1, 2020. “This is to bring to your attention that the BCLB has not renewed the operating licences of certain bookmarkers and lottery operators for the period July 1, 2019 to July 1, 2020. Please find attached the list of entities whose licences have not been renewed for your information,” read a statement from CBK on Monday. The firms have denied any wrongdoing and have maintained that they have met regulatory requirements amid the push and pull with the Government.Do not miss out on the latest news. Join the Standard Digital Telegram channel HERE.