This archive report was first published on 19 July 2019.
On July 15, 2019, the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) ordered Airtel to shut down the playbill numbers of betting firms whose licenses it has not renewed.
The action comes a week after the BCLB gave a similar directive to Safaricom, banks, and the Communication Authority of Kenya, in a move that threatens the Sh200 billion betting industry.
According to a letter dated July 15, addressed to Airtel Money Director Vincent Wakaba, the BCLB acting managing director Liti Wambua said, "We wish to inform you that the licenses for the following companies were not renewed, until they meet the outstanding renewal requirements as well as outcome of ongoing due diligence to determine if they are fit and proper to hold a licence from this board."
As a result, the BCLB requested Airtel to suspend the playbills and short codes of the affected betting firms until otherwise advised.
Meanwhile, the BCLB allowed customers who may be affected to withdraw their deposits before Friday, July 19, 2019, and requested Airtel to share the number of people who withdrew their money and the total amount thereof.
The BCLB has been implementing the government directive to disable the operations of 27 betting firms, which falls under the Interior ministry.
It is unclear why the BCLB did not write to Airtel at the same time it did the other players in the market.
The top betting firms have moved to court, escalating their row with the BCLB, with SportPesa suing the government seeking compensation for the days it has been out of business.
Its rival, Betin Kenya, say the July 12 switch-off of their playbill numbers and short codes is illegal because they have court orders allowing them to continue operating, despite being denied licenses by the government.
