Online Betting in Kenya — is sports betting under regulation in Kenya?
Gambling has been legal in Kenya since 1966. Kenya's Chapter 131 Act Parliament created the country's Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) that gave permitted select gambling within the state. Since then, almost every other type of sports betting has been legal. However, the law didn't mention anything to do with online sports betting. But with the growth of technology and the expansion of online gambling, the Kenyan government had to amend its previous laws to include online sports betting. In 2011, the government, under the watch of the Betting Control and Licensing Board legalized online sports betting, a move that saw Kenya betting sites and those from offshore jurisdictions applying for licenses to operate in Kenya.
How Do We Review Kenya's Best Betting Sites?
When reviewing some of the best Kenyan betting sites, we consider a few areas of importance. Before we recommend to you a list of betting sites in Kenya where you can place your bets, we ensure that they satisfy several important requirements. For instance, we look at the available banking methods. Are they limited or in plenty? What about the available betting options? Besides these, we also factor in matters to do with site security, customer support, and the ability to support live betting. We also see if there's live streaming and how competitive they position their odds. Others include the ability to offer live streaming services, whether a site is licensed or not, and whether they offer attractive bonus offers. Top sports betting sites must tick almost all the right boxes when it comes to such.
Top 10 Sports Betting Sites Available in Kenya
Since online sports betting entered Kenya's legit field in 2011, there more than a dozen online bookies now have licenses to operate in Kenya. While that's good for Kenyan players, newbies might find it slightly difficult in choosing the best site ideal for them. At this point, we list betting sites that we find the best in Kenya as of 2021.
Betway
While Betway is an international betting site, they've managed to create a build an excellent sports betting platform that Kenyans would find ideal.
- An international operator that accepts Airtel and M-Pesa
- Match deposit of 100% on initial deposit
- Some of the best odds both for local and international football events
- Customer reps are hard to reach
BetWinner
Even though new across Kenya’s online sports betting scene, BetWinner combines a great selection of sports with some of the best banking options for their customers.
- Huge variety of sports
- Plenty of features to keep players entertained
- Amazing live betting section
- Erratic price structure
22bet
22bet is another international betting site known for its high football betting odds. They boast of a good customer base in Kenya since going live.
- Plenty of payment methods
- More than 30,000 events to wager on monthly
- Excellent registration bonus
- The interface is a bit old
1xbet
1xbet is one of the most popularinternational betting sites. In Kenya, they have a huge online presence thanks to their massive 200% bonus upon initial deposit.
- Availability of DFS
- Amazing visuals for live matches
- Several enticing promotional offers
- The interface isn't fully localized
Melbet
Another offshore international betting site, Melbet entered Kenya's sports betting scene with a bang, offering one of the best sign-up offers to their customers.
- A 200% up to 300% match on the initial deposit
- 24/7 customer support
- Several payment methods including PayPal, M-PESA, and Airtel Money
- Below-par live streaming
Betika
Without a doubt, Betika is Kenya's current premier online sports betting site that supports convenient methods of deposit.
- Several daily and weekend jackpots
- They feature a user-friendly interface
- Referral bonus offers for a new customer
- Complicated withdrawal process via SMS
Sportybet
Licensed by the Betting Control and Licensing Board, Sportybet Kenya offers players a chance to wager on plenty of sports, including eSports.
- Efficient Android betting app
- Availability of Live Bet Boost on some games
- An in-depth FAQ section
- Live betting is not available for all sports
Bet365
Another offshore betting site, Bet365 has managed to capture the attention of Kenyan players particularly due to their attractive signup offer.
- Plenty of sports markets
- Excellent customer support department
- Fast payouts
- Lacks plenty of promos compared to their competitors
Mozzartbet
Mozzartbet is one of those fresh betting sites in Kenya that offer bettors an unforgettable sports betting experience, especially with their decent mobile app.
- Daily Mega-jackpot
- Allows low deposits
- Amazing live support
- A limited choice of sports events
Odibets
Odibets is another locally-owned Kenyan sports betting site with an easy-to-navigate interface, along with an easy registration process.
- Quick deposits and withdrawals
- SMS betting possible
- Freebet upon registration
- Lack of physical shops to make live bets
Betting Sites in Kenya: A Comparative Look
| Sportsbook | Bonus Offers | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|
| Betway | 50% up to Ksh 5,000 | Yes |
| 22bet | 100% up to Ksh 15,000 | Yes |
| 1xbet | 200% up to Ksh 10,000 | Yes |
| Melbet | 200% up to Ksh 20,000 | Yes |
| Betika | The highest jackpot bonus of up to Ksh 100,000 | Yes |
| Sportybet | 1000% Multiple Bonus Boost | Yes |
| Bet365 | Up to Ksh 6,000 in bet credits | Yes |
| Mozzartbet | Cashback offer up to Ksh 10,000 | Yes |
| Odibets | No deposit bonus that’s worth Ksh 30 | Yes |
How to Sign Up to Kenya Betting Sites—how fast is the signup process?
Signing up to Kenyan betting sites is something that you can complete in under 2 minutes! After identifying your preferred Kenyan bookmaker, go ahead and click on the 'Register Here' icon. An online form will appear for you to fill in all the required personal details. Once done, click on the 'Join Now' button and you're done!
Popular Payment Methods for Kenyan Customers
Kenyan bettors willing to fund their accounts can do so in a variety of safe and convenient methods. Players can deposit money to their accounts using popular payment methods such as M-PESA and Airtel Money in addition to other options such as Skrill, MasterCard, Maestro, Visa, and EcoPayz.
Exclusive Bonus Offers from Kenya's Top Betting Sites
While the main promotional bonus offers at almost all the bookmakers in Kenya appear to be the sign-up bonuses, top betting sites in the country go beyond that to offer other exclusive bonuses. Some of them include Deposit Matches, Enhanced Odds, Cashback on Losses and Refer-a-Friend Bonuses.
Sports Betting in Kenya —what are the most popular sports to bet in Kenya?
Without a doubt, football betting dominates the online sports betting industry in Kenya with over 90% of bets being on football. However, Kenyan bettors are wagering on other sports too. Some of them include:
Fantasy Sports Betting
DFS is growing in popularity globally and across the Kenyan betting market too. In terms of betting, a good number of Kenyan bettors are lately trying their luck on DFS betting.
E-Sports betting
Even though E-sports betting started slowly in Kenya, lately it has picked up the pace with many Kenyan punters choosing to wager on such sports at several betting sites that host them. Melbet, for instance, allows eSports betting.
Types of Betting
Kenyan players will be happy to learn that they aren't limited when it comes to the betting types to choose. Depending on the type of sport, rest assured of several bet types. If you fancy football, you can find more than 100 bet types here. Common ones include odd/even goals, over/under, both teams to score, cards, corners, handicaps, and players to score among others.
Top in-play betting sites
Technology has impacted online sports betting in a significant way. One of the most influenced areas is live betting. Now, it's possible to place bets while the games are already underway. Kenyan bettors are now able to place in-game bets at the top live betting companies such as Betika, Melbet, 1xbet, 22bet, and Betway Kenya.
Betting Apps&Mobile Betting Sites —which one is the best?
When betting, especially while you are on the move, you may choose to do so via a mobile betting site or a betting app. But which one is ideal for you? Many bettors seem to prefer the app based on a few important reasons. For instance, the app seems perfectly optimized to fit into small screens, making wagering while on the go a breeze. Also, besides coming with the promise of convenience, betting apps have other extra features such as notifications to enable a player to know how everything is progressing in a match.
Choosing a Good Kenyan Betting Site
Choosing the best Kenyan betting sites can be challenging especially for novice bettors. However, it shouldn't be that way. For a pleasant online sports betting experience, you may want to consider the following factors when selecting a betting site in Kenya.
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Bonus Offers and Free Bets
Your preferred bookie should offer you attractive bonuses and free bets from time to time. That way, you'd be able to test them and even stand a chance of increasing your bankroll.
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The Payment Methods
If anything, you should be able to move funds to and from your account using several methods that you find convenient. A bookie that you choose should support a plethora of payment options.
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Variety of Betting Markets
A limited betting market also means that your winnings will be on the lower side. Again, you need to settle for bookies that offer a variety of betting markets so that you choose or try the ones that you are familiar with.
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Live Streaming
If possible, choose a bookmaker that offers decent live streaming services. This way, you'll be in a good position to watch your favorite teams and players while in action.
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Quality of Betting Platform
Nothing is more frustrating than signing up to a bookmaker whose website is difficult to navigate. You should be able to find everything that you are looking for with ease and be able to place bets, initiate withdrawals and contact the support reps easily.
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The Cash-out Option
Should you feel that your bet may not materialize or be successful, then you should have the option of cashing out part of the winnings. Again, when looking for a betting site, consider those that have the cash-out option.
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Great Customer Service
Should you have a problem with your account or have any other question that requires clarification, you should be able to reach the support reps fast. A great betting site is that one with plenty of efficient means for reaching their support resp.
Best online bookmakers in Kenya
Kenyan online sports betting lovers are fortunate in that they have never had to choose between what appears to be an overwhelming amount of online sports betting providers in the country. While this is good for gamblers, it can be difficult to distinguish between the best betting sites in Kenya and those that you should avoid. The Kenyan betting scene is huge and filled with many bookies. The purpose of this page is to show you the topbetting sites in Kenya where you can easily place your online bets.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Kenya?
Since 1966, gambling has been going on in Kenya. Kenya's Parliament established the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), a firm granted authorization to select gaming within the country. Under the country’s gambling laws, almost all other forms of sports betting have been legal since then. However, under these laws, there was no mention of internet sports betting in the statute. But as technology advanced and internet gambling became more popular, the Kenyan government had to change its earlier legislation to accommodate online sports betting. The government allowed online sports betting in 2011, under the supervision of the Betting Control and Licensing Board. Since then several Kenya betting sites and those from offshore jurisdictions applied for licenses to operate in the country, a move that has further expanded the gambling industry in Kenya.
How We Rate and Review Kenyan Bookies
When rating and reviewing the best Kenyan betting sites, we look at a few things. Before we offer a list of betting sites in Kenya where you can place your wagers, we make sure that they meet a few key criteria. For instance, are the various banking options scarce or plentiful? What about the betting possibilities? In addition to this, we consider site security, customer service, and the capacity to offer live betting. We also check to see if live streaming is available, how competitive their odds are, and whether they have mobile apps foriOS and Android. Others include a site's ability to provide live streaming services, whether or not it is licensed, and whether or not it provides appealing incentive offers. When it comes to such, top sports betting sites must check practically all of the right boxes.
Top 10 Kenyan Bookmakers —why play here?
Since online sports betting became legal in Kenya in 2011, more than a dozen internet bookies have obtained licenses and currently offering their services in the country. While this is beneficial to Kenyan players, newcomers may find it tough to select the appropriate site for them. Below is a list of the finest betting sites in Kenya as of 2022.
Betway
While Betway is one of the most popular global betting service, they've managed to develop an exceptional sports betting platform that Kenyan bettors would appreciate.
What we like:
- An international operator that takes Airtel and M-PESA as payment methods
- 100 percent match deposit on first deposit
- Great football betting odds for both local and international events
What we don’t
- Customer service representatives are difficult to reach
22bet
Another international betting platform with good football betting odds is 22bet. Since going live, they've pulled a sizable customer base across the Kenyan market.
What we like:
- A wide range of payment options
- More than 30,000 events to play on each month
- A generous welcome bonus
What we don’t
- The interface is a little dated
BetWinner
BetWinner combines a tremendous selection of sports with some of the greatest banking alternatives for their consumers. That is despite being new to Kenya's online sports betting industry.
What we like:
- Extensive sports selection
- Numerous elements to keep gamers intrigued
- Outstanding live betting section
What we don’t
- Price structure is erratic
1xbet
1xbet is one the most well-known and the largest betting brands worldwide. They have a considerable internet presence in Kenya, thanks to a big 200 percent bonus on first deposits.
What we like:
- A good mobile betting app
- Stunning images for live events
- Attractive promotions
What we don’t
- Their interface is not fully localized
Melbet
Melbet, an offshore international betting service, made a big splash in the African continent and Kenya's sports betting sector by offering one of the best sign-up bonuses.
What we like:
- A 200 percent to 300 percent match on your first deposit
- Customer service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- PayPal, M-PESA, and Airtel Money are just a few of the payment options
What we don’t
- Live broadcasting isn't up to par
Betika
Without a doubt, Betika is Kenya's current leading online sports betting service with a variety of deposit options.
What we like:
- They have a user-friendly UI, along with several helpful features and options
- They provide several daily and weekend jackpots
- Bonuses for referring a new customer
What we don’t
- Withdrawal via SMS is challenging
Sportybet
Sportybet Kenya is licensed by the Betting Lotteries Board and allows players to wager on a variety of sports, including eSports.
What we like:
- Efficient Android betting software
- Live Bet Boost is available on some games
- A comprehensive FAQ section
What we don’t
- Not all sports are available for live betting
Bet365
Bet365, another offshore betting site, has succeeded to draw the attention of Kenyan gamers, owing to their appealing sign-up offer. It’s on the largest and the leading betting site in sub-Saharan Africa.
What we like:
- A wide range of betting options
- Excellent customer service
- Quick payouts
What we don’t
- In comparison to their competitors, they don't provide as many promotions
Mozzartbet
Mozzartbet is one of Kenya's newest betting sites, providing bettors with an outstanding sports betting experience, particularly with its well-designed mobile app.
What we like:
- Daily Mega-jackpot and different competitions
- Low investment requirements
- Exceptional live support
What we don’t
- There is a restricted selection of sporting events to choose from
Odibets
Odibets is of the leading locally-owned Kenyan sports betting sites with a user-friendly interface and a simple registration process.
What we like:
- Deposits and withdrawals are quick
- SMS betting is possible
- A free bet is available upon registration
What we don’t
- There aren't any actual stores where you may place live bets
Betting Sites in Kenya: A Comparative Look
| Sportsbook | Bonus Offers | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|
| Betway | 50% up to Ksh 5,000 | Yes |
| 22bet | 100% up to Ksh 15,000 | Yes |
| 1xbet | 200% up to Ksh 10,000 | Yes |
| Melbet | 200% up to Ksh 20,000 | Yes |
| Betika | The highest jackpot bonus of up to Ksh 100,000 | Yes |
| Sportybet | 1000% Multiple Bonus Boost | Yes |
| Bet365 | Up to Ksh 6,000 in bet credits | Yes |
| Mozzartbet | Cashback offer up to Ksh 10,000 | Yes |
| Odibets | No deposit bonus that’s worth Ksh 30 | Yes |
How to Choose the Best Online Bookmaker in Kenya
Choosing a sports betting site in Kenya may seem challenging, especially for new players in the world of online sports betting. If you are unaware of the things that you need to consider, there's no reason to panic. For a pleasant online sports betting experience, go for sites that offer you enticing bonuses and promotions. Also, choose those sites where you have plenty of betting markets and options when gambling. Your online security is of great importance when gambling online. Ensure that you register with top bookmakers that guarantee the safety of your information online. Also, choose those sites with attentive customer support where you can find solutions to any of your questions.
