This archive report was first published on 13 August 2019.
On August 13, 2019, the Betting Control and Licensing Board and Kenya Revenue Authority notified gamblers that betting firms were expected to deduct and remit 20% taxes on winnings.
Odibets has become the latest betting firm to comply with the directive, joining others like Betika and BetLion.
According to a statement from Odibets, the firm will ensure that the tax required by the Government from winners is deducted immediately a bet is complete.
"Having complied with the directive by the Betting Control and Licensing Board and KRA, the firm will ensure that the tax required by the Government from winners is deducted immediately a bet is complete," said Odibets through a statement.
However, the new tax has raised concerns that it may stifle the growth of the sector and eat into the earnings of betting firms as customers withdraw.
Other players who have already implemented the requirement include Betika and BetLion.
The government and the industry have been engaging in a push and pull about taxing punters who win prize money for placing bets for some time now.
However, the government appears to have won following the enactment of the Finance Act 2018 into law.
