The world of sports betting in Kenya is only going upwards, and it’s not hard to see why. With a market size of over $40 million, Kenya’s gaming industry is one of the largest in Africa, ranking third after South Africa and Nigeria. Both domestic and international bookmakers operate in the country, offering a variety of sports and games for Kenyan bettors to enjoy.
However, gamblers in Kenya are younger and bet more than their peers in other African countries. In Kenya, sports bettors stake for fun and to win money. However, low-income families tend to gamble as a passive way to earn money.
Kenya’s Sports Gambling
Have you ever wondered which cities in Kenya rank as the highest gamblers? It shouldn’t be surprising that most sports bettors in the country are based in its most populous cities, Nairobi and Mombasa.
Like the rest of West Africa, Kenyans love their football. However, the national team has never made it out of the first round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Nonetheless, Kenyans continue to bet on football via online sportsbooks. Five major European leagues they wager on include the Premier League, La Liga, the Bundesliga, Serie A, and Ligue 1.
No doubt Kenyans like to bet on other sports too. This includes rugby (which its national squad thrives in), basketball, tennis, baseball, and more.
Alternatives for Gambling in Kenya
Bettors in Kenya can pick from several options at the best operators, including casino offers and bookie promos. Some of the best betting sites in Kenya even offer live dealer games alongside a broad range of casino games.
Online slots are ideal for those who enjoy games of chance. At the same time, poker, roulette, baccarat, and blackjack are great for those who prefer strategy games. Playing on mainstream sites approved by local or international authorities is essential to receive your winnings on time and play safely.
If you want to play safely, you should only sign up with operators approved by local or international authorities.
The Law Permits Gambling in Kenya
Are you aware Kenya became the first African country to legalize all forms of gambling? In 1966, the government decriminalized all types of gaming.
The Betting, Lotteries, and Gaming Act of 1966 was the first to establish guidelines for the industry. In 2021, however, the excise tax rate was raised to 7.5% for all stakes due to the country’s Budget Act. Today, computerized fare collection has made O-CITY the leader of Kenya’s contactless payments.
However, gambling remains illegal for those under the age of 18 in the country. Further regulations will likely be passed to protect minors and those with gambling problems.
Common Kenyan Banking Policies for Sports Betting
Top sportsbooks in Kenya know their patrons depend heavily on convenient banking options. These sites let you transact on your betting account with various payment options.
Some of these financial alternatives include:
Mobile Banking
Mobile payments have become the preferred means of online betting in Kenya. Most bettors use mobile money transfers like M-Pesa and Airtel Money to fund their online casino and sportsbook accounts. With these wallets, gamblers directly fund their mobile betting accounts.
Both M-Pesa and Airtel Money are accepted for deposits and withdrawals in Kenya. You can also initiate a deposit via USSD or with a SIM Tool Kit.
Withdrawals, however, can only be initiated from the cashier section of the betting site or casino. Despite this, withdrawals are simple, low-cost and risk-free.
Credit/Debit Cards
Do you own a credit or debit card from a major financial institution like Visa or MasterCard? Many trusted and official sites in Kenya now accept card payments.
Card deposits and withdrawals are great for fast, reliable, and cheap transactions. But you can expect stringent restrictions on card transactions.
Credit and debit cards are convenient to fund your play at online gambling sites. However, ensure you sign up and gamble on sites that use cutting-edge encryption tech. This prevents hackers from accessing your financial details.
Bank Transfer
Bank transfers help you deposit funds into your casino account instantly. Most sites with this option adopt modern security features to prevent unauthorized access to your data. Likewise, your private information is secure when making a bank transfer.
You may have to wait up to five business days to withdraw using a bank transfer. However, its high transaction limit is excellent for high-stakes players and VIPs.
E-wallets
International online bookies open to Kenya players support electronic payment methods. The simplicity and reliability of e-wallets attract players to wager at these sites.
Just like how card transactions have limits, e-wallets also do. Hence, you should always check their limits before using your e-wallet online. Online sports bettors in Kenya use e-wallets like Neteller, Skrill, and PayPal.
With an e-wallet, you can withdraw your winnings instantly. You also stand a chance to participate in various bonuses and special offers.
Virtual Currency
If you prefer playing anonymously, check betting sites in Kenya that accept crypto. You can use Bitcoin, SNACK tokens, Litecoin, Ripple and others to wager on your favourite games.
Using digital currencies allows for instant, cheap, and unhackable transactions. Crypto payments also qualify you for rewards and can transact large sums. Another benefit is you can make inter-account transfers without a third party.
