This archive report was first published on 11 July 2019.
Kenya's Betting Industry in Turmoil: 7 Companies Get Licenses Renewed ¶
July 11, 2019
The Kenyan government's crackdown on the betting industry continues, with a multi-agency team probing companies for tax compliance. Despite this, 7 firms have managed to secure renewed business licenses.
The lucky companies are BetLion, MCheza, Kwikbet, OdiBets, Gamemania, Betpalace, and Betika. However, the industry remains under scrutiny, with reports of most firms failing to prove tax compliance as required by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB).
According to the BCLB, the companies made a cumulative Ksh.204 billion last year but paid only Ksh. 4 billion in taxes. This has raised concerns about the industry's tax compliance and has brought a threat to senior non-Kenyan managers, who risk possible deportation.
The government's move is part of a larger effort to revise taxes due and owed by the betting companies. The dispute has been ongoing, and the government has yet to renew licenses for most betting companies.
