The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has flagged 58 betting websites for operating illegally within Kenya’s internet domain.
In a letter addressed to the Communication Authority of Kenya and copied to Safaricom on Tuesday, April 29, BCLB director Peter Mbugi said the sites scam bettors by accepting deposits only to withhold payouts later.
Additionally, he noted that investigations revealed that the websites blatantly disregard gambling regulations set by the board.
"Unauthorized 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.
"Investigations by the Board reveal that these fraudulent sites scam bettors by accepting deposits via pay bill numbers or STK push services, only to withhold payouts. Additionally, the platforms violate the gaming regulations set by the Board, necessitating their immediate shutdown," the letter read.
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As such, Mbugi demanded the immediate shutdown of the websites and the suspension of their paybill numbers.
"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," the statement added.
Among the companies named in the directive are Cheza Crash, Skai Crash, Crash KE, and Simple Crash. Others include Aviator VIP, Aviator Pesa, Aviator KE, and Luckybet KE. Also flagged are Nimbo Crash, Mita Sita, Saf Crash, Vuma Bet, and Next Papi.
The list further includes Chachisha, Bet 222, Uvoset Games, Box Crash, Win KSH, Aviator, and Pesa Chap. Pawa Crash, Pesa Pawa, Pepea Pro, Bingo Crash, and 1Win Kenya were also named.
Casino Bonus, Pata Mia, Play Mania, Jet X, and Peperusha appeared on the list alongside Cheza Aviator, Cheza Game, Aviator 254, Nimble Bet, Fanika Bet, and Inuka Bet.
Others flagged were Kamata Bet, Bet Ngori, Shinda Crash, Jumbo Tickets, Q Bet, and Top Crash. Plan Bet, Game Mapro, Metabet, Win Sasa, Aviator Game, and Maybets also made the list.
The directive also targeted Box Crash, another entry for Pawa Crash, Pepea Crash, Pepea, Pesa Crash, and Win. Finally, Win KSH and Pesa Spin rounded off the list of unauthorized websites.
