Kenya’s Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has ordered Safaricom to suspend all betting-related payments while shutting down 58 unauthorised betting sites following mounting public complaints about fraudulent activities, including withholding winnings and operating without official approval.
The crackdown comes in response to growing outrage over platforms that exploit users by demanding money through betting schemes.
The regulator also ordered the immediate closure of 58 unauthorised betting sites. The directive came after mounting complaints from the public about fraudulent activities, including platforms withholding winnings and operating without official approval.
In the official statement, BCLB said, “Unauthorised betting websites have sparked public outrage by operating without approval from the Board. The Board has taken note of complaints from concerned citizens regarding these platforms, which exploit users by demanding money through betting schemes”.
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The affected platforms include Cheza Crash, Skai Crash, Crash Ke, Simple Crash, Aviator VIP, Aviator Pesa, Aviator Ke, Luckybet Ke, Nimbo Crash, Mita Sita, Vuma Bet, Next Papi, Chachisha, Pesa Spin, Shinda Crash, Pesa Chap, Jumbo Tickets, Pawa Crash, Q Bet, Top Crash, Pepea Pro, Plan Bet, Bingo Crash, Game Mapro, 1win Kenya, Metabet, Casino Bonus, Pata Mia, Win Sasa, Play Mania, Aviator Game, Saf Crash, Jet X, Maybets, Peperusha, Box Crash, Supa Krash, Cheza Aviator, Pepea Crash, Bet 222, Cheza Game, Pepea, Uvoset Games, Aviator 254, Pesa Crash, Nimble Bet, Win, Win Ksh, Fanika Bet, Inuka Bet, Kamata Bet, and several others. These sites were found to accept deposits through mobile money services and then refuse to pay out winnings, violating gaming regulations.
Regulatory crackdown and new licensing requirements
Despite the crackdown, the BCLB lists 221 licensed betting operators in Kenya. The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has issued a reminder that all current operating licenses for the 2024/2025 financial year will expire on June 30, 2025, and a KRA clearance will be required for renewal.
The regulator also included a 30-day suspension of all gambling advertisements across TV, radio, digital, print, and outdoor platforms.
BCLB chairperson Jane Mwikali stated, “The government has noted with grave concern the proliferation of gambling activities across the country. Gambling promoters are increasingly mischaracterizing gambling as a legitimate investment opportunity and a shortcut to wealth creation”.
The BCLB has called on the Communications Authority of Kenya to block access to all foreign and local unlicensed gambling websites and encouraged the public to report any illegal operators. A multi-agency team, including the Ministry of Interior, Office of the Attorney General, Communications Authority, Kenya Revenue Authority, and Directorate of Criminal Investigations, is now working to enforce these directives and promote responsible gambling practices.
“The Board has determined that necessary measures must be taken against the listed websites, including their immediate shutdown. Additionally, by copy of this letter, Safaricom PLC Limited is hereby instructed to suspend all associated Pay Bill numbers with immediate effect,” BCLB stated.