Betting firms reveal how you can still play and win amid crackdown

Sports betting is a craze in Kenya [Courtesy]

For a fortnight, Kenyan sports betting enthusiasts have been clutching on straws, trying hard to find other avenues of making money.

This is after the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) canceled 27 company licenses due to failure to meet the Government's regulatory requirements on license renewal.

This move looks to have betting companies reportedly evading tax comply with the State's policies on gambling.

The Central Bank of Kenya also weeks notified the banks to halt the provision of banking services to the betting firms that have failed to comply with state regulations.

Betting firm owners have continued denying any wrongdoing, with SportPesa leading the line in refuting claims it had not fully complied with all legal and tax obligations as it assures customers that their business was not coming to a close.

"SportPesa wishes to refute claims that our business is closing down. We are in discussions with the government and relevant stakeholders and are positive that we will be back to full operation soon. Note that any update regarding our business is communicated through our channels," they posted on Facebook.

The firm also published another demographic statement on Tuesday dismissing claims of underage gamblers on its sites.

Another betting firm, Nanovas International (betPawa) moved to court to challenge the BCLB's refusal to renew its bookmaker and public gaming licenses for the year 2019/2020.

However, for some betting sites, it is still possible to actively bet (play) and withdraw your winnings.

As the conundrum as to why the top betting sites in Kenya have not had their paybill numbers activated, GameYetu took the opportunity to contact some of them, enquiring on the methods customers can use to play, win and transact cash.

Here are the responses given to GameYetu by some of the betting firms…

BetPawa

Betpawa logo [Courtesy]

Unfortunately, we are yet to resume operations. We're in contact with the concerned authorities awaiting direction from the courts and the BCLB to resolve this. At the moment, we are not taking any new bets neither are we receiving deposits. We are only processing old betslips and withdrawal payments. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Betway

You can play and withdraw in case of winnings. However, for withdrawals, you will need to use the SMS platform whereby to withdraw, you SMS W#Amount of money to withdraw#Betway password to 29029. For example, W#700#78657 to 29029.

Mozzart Bet

Mozzart Bet logo [Courtesy]

Concerning our services, we continue to engage relevant government authorities and remain confident of speedy restoration. We apologize for any inconveniences caused. Kindly note, that Mozzartbet Kenya Limited has, and will always, fully comply with all legal and tax obligations. Thank you for keeping it Mozzart.

Betin Kenya

Betin Kenya logo [Courtesy]

Kindly wish to notify that our Withdrawal PayBill accounts have also been suspended and are still addressing this matter with industry stakeholders, the regulators and the government and we are positive it will be resolved ASAP in time to catch up with the new football season gearing up in August.

Elitebet

Elitebet Kenya logo [Courtesy]

Unfortunately you cannot deposit or withdraw funds from your Elitebet account at the moment, However if you have a balance in your Elitebet account you can certainly continue to place your bets?.

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