Betting regulator warns against surge in unlicensed online gambling platforms

BCLB warns against growing number of unlicensed online gambling platforms. [File, Standard] Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has warned against a growing number of unlicensed online gambling platforms targeting Kenyan users as sports betting surges across Africa. The warning comes weeks after the regulator identified numerous betting websites operating illegally. It said these platforms, lacking the proper authorisation, exploit users and violate gaming regulations. Chief Executive Officer Peter Mbugi said unregulated platforms expose bettors to fraud, identity theft and unpaid winnings due to the lack of enforcement and accountability. "Betting on unaccredited sites can result in serious consequences, including scams and financial loss," said Mbugi, adding, "Without the necessary protections, bettors are more likely to be taken advantage of." BCLB has since ordered the shutdown of the flagged platforms and suspended all associated pay bill numbers. In a letter dated Tuesday, April 29, to Communication Authority of Kenya Director General David Mugonyi, BCLB said it had received complaints from concerned citizens about betting schemes that demand deposits but fail to pay out winnings. Investigations by the Board revealed that the fraudulent sites scam users by accepting deposits through pay bill numbers or STK push services, then withhold winnings. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has also pledged to fully enforce the government's suspension of gambling advertisements, citing the harmful impact of betting on vulnerable populations, particularly the youth. In a press statement on Tuesday, April 29, DCI condemned the rise in betting advertisements across media platforms, warning that such campaigns lure financially vulnerable individuals into reckless gambling and false hope. DCI also urged social media influencers and bloggers to stop promoting betting platforms through paid partnerships, calling such endorsements unethical and harmful to the public good. Among the illegal betting websites flagged by BCLB are Crash ke, Aviator VIP, Aviator pesa, Aviator ke, Luckybet ke, Nimbo crash, Mita sita, Vuma Bet (vumabet.com), Next papi, Chachisha, Bet 222, Uvoset games and Box crash. Kenya ranks third in Sub-Saharan Africa's betting market behind South Africa and Nigeria, according to a report by Slotegrator. It also leads the region in youth betting trends, with younger users spending more on gambling than their peers in neighbouring countries. BCLB has expressed concern over the role of mobile phones and internet access in fuelling unregulated betting. World Bank data shows Kenya's internet penetration stands at 40.8 per cent, projected to rise to 65 per cent by 2025. Mobile subscriptions already exceed the population, with 122 per 100 people. Mbugi said mobile-optimised platforms often exploit users with flashy promotions and fast transactions, bypassing regulatory scrutiny. "Many of these platforms exploit mobile-first users through bonuses and push notifications that are hard to verify," added Mbugi. He urged bettors to check licences before using any betting site and to report suspicious platforms to the authorities.

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