This archive report was first published on 7 August 2019.
Kenya's Online Betting Scene: A Turbulent Ride ¶
Kenya's online betting scene has been marred by controversy since July 2019, when the government suspended the operating licenses of 27 betting companies, including SportPesa. The move was aimed at curbing the spread of betting addiction and ensuring that companies comply with tax regulations.
On July 10, 2019, the government ordered the immediate withdrawal of betting codes belonging to the affected companies. SportPesa, one of the largest online betting services in Kenya, was among those affected, with its operating license canceled and Pay Bill and SMS short codes suspended.
Published on August 7, 2019, the government's move was seen as a major blow to the online betting industry in Kenya. The suspension of SportPesa's services left many customers frustrated, with some taking to social media to express their disappointment.
Despite ongoing court proceedings, SportPesa has not resumed operations. The company has, however, assured its customers that it is working to resolve the issue and resume normal operations.
According to SportPesa, the suspension of its services was illegal, as the company had a court order to continue operating. The company has since sued the government, demanding compensation for the period it has been out of business.
As the standoff between SportPesa and the government continues, fans and customers are left wondering when the online betting service will resume operations. The company has promised to keep its customers updated on the latest developments.
With the Premier League season set to kick off, fans are eagerly waiting for SportPesa to resume its services. The company's CEO, Ronald Karauri, has assured fans that the company will continue to support local football teams, despite the current challenges.
As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the online betting industry in Kenya is facing a major crisis. The suspension of SportPesa's services has left many customers frustrated, and the company's future remains uncertain.
