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Licensed betting sites in Kenya

Updated: · Bookmaker Blog editorial team

18+18+ only. Betting involves risk of loss and can be addictive.

Kenya has one of the most active mobile betting markets in Africa. It is also in the middle of a major legal change. In 2025 Parliament replaced the 1966 betting law with the Gambling Control Act, 2025 and created a new regulator. This guide explains what that means for you, and lists operators licensed in Kenya.

We are verifying which operators hold a valid licence here. The list will appear once our checks are complete.

Yes. Betting is legal for adults aged 18 and over with a licensed operator. Since 2025:

  • The Gambling Control Act, 2025 replaced the Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act of 1966.
  • The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya (GRA) is taking over from the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB). Licences issued under the old system remain valid on their existing terms until they expire. In the meantime, the GRA is consulting on new regulations for licensing, advertising and player protection.
  • Operators without a Kenyan licence cannot legally accept Kenyan players, and authorities have repeatedly blocked unlicensed sites and payment channels.

Regulator

How to check a licence

  1. Look for the operator's Kenyan licence number and licensing authority in the footer of its site or app.
  2. Check the operator against the GRA's published information, or contact the GRA.
  3. Make sure deposits go to a registered M-Pesa Paybill in the operator's company name. If an "agent" asks you to send money to a personal number, it is a scam.

Beware of "sure tips" sellers. Paid WhatsApp and Telegram groups that sell "fixed matches" or guaranteed jackpot predictions are scams. Licensed operators never ask you to pay a third party to unlock winnings.

Betting with M-Pesa and Airtel Money

Mobile money is how almost everyone in Kenya deposits and withdraws:

  • M-Pesa. Deposit through Lipa na M-Pesa → Paybill, using the operator's Paybill number and your account ID. Many operators also send an STK push prompt to your phone. Withdrawals to M-Pesa usually arrive within minutes.
  • Airtel Money works in a similar way at operators that support it.
  • Cards and bank transfers are less common but available at some operators.

Withdrawals go only to the mobile money account registered in your name, and you may be asked to confirm your ID before the first payout.

Taxes on betting

Kenya taxes betting at several points, and the rates have changed repeatedly since 2023. Excise duty is charged on betting, and a tax applies to winnings or withdrawals. The Finance Act 2025 restructured these taxes again, including a levy on withdrawals from betting accounts. Because the rules keep changing, rely on the figures your licensed operator shows on your bet slip and statement, not on old screenshots shared online.

What Kenyans bet on

The English Premier League is by far the most popular competition, followed by the UEFA Champions League, other European leagues and the FKF Premier League. Harambee Stars matches, rugby sevens and basketball also draw bets.

Multi-match jackpots (often 13 to 17 games) are hugely popular because a small stake can win millions. Know the odds: with three possible results per match, a 17-game jackpot has about 129 million combinations. Our guides on how odds work and bankroll management explain how to keep stakes sensible.

Bet responsibly

Set a monthly budget, use the deposit limits your operator provides, and never bet with money meant for rent, school fees or loan repayments. Mobile loans used for betting are a fast route into debt.

Frequently asked questions

Is online betting legal in Kenya?

Yes, for adults aged 18 and over who use an operator licensed in Kenya. Betting is now governed by the Gambling Control Act, 2025, which replaced the 1966 law and created the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya (GRA).

What happened to the BCLB?

The Betting Control and Licensing Board is being replaced by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya under the Gambling Control Act, 2025. Licences issued before the transition remain valid on their existing terms until they expire.

How do I deposit with M-Pesa?

Use Lipa na M-Pesa with the operator's Paybill number and your phone number or account ID as the account number. Always take the Paybill number from the operator's official website or app, never from an SMS or social media post.

Do I pay tax on betting in Kenya?

Yes. Kenya charges excise duty on betting and taxes winnings or withdrawals, and the rates have changed several times since 2023. A licensed operator must show these deductions on your bet slip or statement. Check its current terms for the rates that apply today.

What are my chances of winning a 17-game jackpot?

Very low. With three possible results per match, there are 3 to the power of 17, about 129 million, possible combinations. Treat jackpots as a small, fun stake, not a plan.