As phones and broadband internet become more affordable, the mobile market is expanding rapidly in Africa. When it comes to Kenya, the situation is similar, and betting on mobile is probably your best bet. Here is why.
The current gambling legislation in Kenya
For starters, let’s go over the current gambling legislation in Kenya. Once the country gained its independence in 1963, things progressed rather quickly on this front, and gambling was legalized through the Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act of 1966. This piece of legislation established a board that is responsible for issuing licenses and regulating the activity. This means that both land-based venues and online platforms can offer casino games and sports betting.
When it comes to sports betting is a very popular activity in Kenya. Brick-and-mortar sportsbooks require a license issued by the Betting Control and Licensing Board to operate. Even though this sector used to be a state monopoly, private companies can now offer their services to interested punters. However, if an operator doesn’t have a license, a hefty fine, jail time, or both are possible.
In terms of online sports betting, it is still a state monopoly, and only one domestic operator is currently licensed to provide these services. However, foreign websites are not blocked, and players are not prosecuted if they use them to place bets.
The improvement of mobile technology
Although there are almost 30 licensed land-based operators, Kenyans prefer betting online, which means they are not limited by where they live. Most betting shops are located in big cities, and people don’t always have a chance to travel to make a bet. Fortunately, the online alternative is becoming more widely available.
There are a few reasons for this, actually. For one, the mobile penetration rate in Africa is on the rise, meaning that more and more people have access to smartphones that allow them to go online and easily find operators that provide a wide array of betting options.
Operators are certainly aware of this trend and they are starting to make mobile apps that make it even more convenient to place bets from the comfort of one’s home or when on the go. For instance, the BetWinner app is available to residents in Kenya. Mobile users can bet on around 40 different sports, with a wide range of bets. Players can also use several banking methods, such as debit and credit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets.
Moreover, it also has responsible gambling features that allow users to set limits and take breaks. The operator provides live chat, email, and phone customer support, which is something everyone can appreciate. Other operators also have a similar apps that residents can opt for, such as SportPesa, 1xBET, Sportybet, Betika, and M-Bet. Each comes with its own pros and cons, so interested punters should look into the available options to see which suits them best.
Likewise, the fact that the population is quite young contributes to the popularity of smartphones and online betting. Younger people are more likely to play games and bet on sports events on their mobile devices, which is also why such a spotlight is being put on mobile betting. Furthermore, with high unemployment rates, this is a great way for the youth to make a living.
Lastly, we shouldn’t overlook the global pandemic’s big effect on the market. All over the world, people are switching to the online approach to gambling and betting, and the situation is no different in Kenya.
The existing challenges providers are faced with
However, we cannot neglect the fact that there are still some challenges that operators are faced.
Even though the situation is improving, the internet speeds in Africa are still pretty slow, with some phones only able to use Edge, 2G, and 3G networks. Even though Kenya rolled out commercial 5G services, the phones themselves are also somewhat old, with older versions of operating systems that do not support the latest developments.
If you live in Kenya and are considering placing a few wagers on your favourite sports, it’s probably best to look for a mobile app. With an ever-growing market, the future is in the hands of those that choose to embrace it.
