Active Betting Sites in Kenya
On this page we provide you with the best betting sites in Kenya where you can place wagers on football, cricket and much more.
We even explain the latest Kenyan gambling laws, tell you the top sites for free bets and bonuses, and share our thoughts on what the future holds for Kenyan betting sites.
Best Online Bookmakers for Kenya – December 2023
22Bet Sports
Payment Options
Average Payout Speed
0 – 24 HoursCurrencies
- EUR
- USD
- AED
- Available in over 30 languages
- Over 1000 events offered every day
- Extensive list of banking methods
- 24/7 customer service support
- Cryptocurrency accepted
- Lack of live streaming
1xbet Sports
Payment Options
Average Payout Speed
0 – 24 HoursCurrencies
- AUD
- AZN
- BDT
- Over 1000 daily sports events
- Dedicated smartphone apps
- Live streaming on site
- Cashier supports many currencies
- Long list of payment methods
- Design is convoluted and outdated
Registered Betting Companies in Kenya
There is currently a selection of new betting sites in Kenya for local sports bettors. As of 2020, there are still around a dozen legal betting sites in Kenya.
In the list we complied above, we chose the very best of the current available sites in Kenya. All our recommendations are reputable betting sites and licensed by BCLB (Betting and Licensing Control Board) under the Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act.
Regulated online sports betting started in Kenya back in 2013. Around 30 different sportsbooks have sprung up since then, but some have bitten the dust due to hefty government tariffs and alleged unpaid taxes.
Kenyan Gambling Laws in 2021
Kenya has had some form of legalised betting since 1966. The Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act of 1966 was a piece of legislation overseeing land-based casinos and retail sportsbooks alike.
When online gambling sites appeared, they were governed under the same legislation. The best betting sites in Kenya were licensed by BCLB under the Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act of 1966 until a new law was passed in 2019.
The Gambling Bill 2019 favours taxes on betting ads, lower minimum stakes, and huge levees on online gaming operators. This is due in part to a crackdown on problem gambling in the country.
All betting sites in Kenya were then dealt a blow in late 2019 when the National Assembly Sports Committee pushed for increased fees. The committee wants the new regulations to be implemented by June 2020. These include an increase on the licence renewal fees for betting companies not based in Kenya.
For now, legal betting sites in Kenya continue to accept wagers. But many Kenyan punters choose to play at overseas betting sites.
Betting From Kenya at International Sites
Cricket and football betting sites in Kenya might be feeling the pinch, but there is still a huge number of regulated overseas sportsbooks that accept Kenyan customers.
You can register at dozens of top betting sites in Kenya that are licensed in jurisdictions like Gibraltar and Malta. Signing up is a breeze and only takes a few minutes. There are a few important things to be aware of:
Account Verification
Account Verification
Many regulated betting sites now require ID verification. You will need to provide certain information to verify your identity, such as home address, a valid email, and a phone number. When you make your first deposit, you may also have to provide a copy of a recent utility bill and Kenyan passport.
Like Kenyan betting sites, you must be 18 or over to bet at most UK and European-licensed sportsbooks.
Making Deposits
Making Deposits
Once your account has been confirmed and verified, you are free to make deposits. You can use internationally recognised banking methods like VISA and MasterCard, or send cash using an e-Wallet such as PayPal.
Usually, international betting sites in Kenya won’t accept KES transactions. Instead, you will have to convert your funds into an accepted currency like USD or GBP first. Watch out for bank conversion fees if you are changing USD or GBP back into KES.
Claiming a Bonus
Claiming a Bonus
Overseas betting sites offer new players a generous welcome bonus or free bets. You may also be able claim other special offers like enhanced odds on selected football games.
Best Betting Sites With Bonuses
If you join an active betting site in Kenya, you can earn a real money bonus just by opening an account. Make a first deposit and you can earn cash back or free bets.
Below are some of the most popular offers available at betting sites in Kenya.
Welcome Bonus
Welcome Bonus
A welcome bonus is open only to Kenyans making their first deposit and bet. To qualify, make your first deposit and receive bonus funds. You must then wager your funds on eligible bets within the set time frame.
Free Bets
Free Bets
With a free bet offer, you receive free betting credit up to a set value. You must wager any winnings from your bets a set number of times in order to have them released.
Best Odds Guaranteed
Best Odds Guaranteed
Most overseas sportsbooks offer markets on the day’s horse races. You can enjoy Best Odds Guaranteed on a range of overseas races. This means if the odds on your bet change after you have placed it, the higher price is always honoured.
Enhanced Odds
Enhanced Odds
Enhanced odds are usually offered on selected football games and are reserved for new sign-ups. Open an account and claim the enhanced odds. For example, you might get 20/1 odds on Man Utd to beat West Ham.
Acca Bonus
Acca Bonus
An acca bonus is usually offered at the best betting sites in Kenya as well as international sites. You win your stake back if one selection on your sports acca loses.
What to Look Out for When Choosing a Bookmaker
With so much choice, it’s important to pick the right site for betting in Kenya. Here’s our criteria for selecting the best one.
Kenyan Gamblers Accepted
Kenyan gamblers used to have a huge selection of homegrown sportsbooks to choose from. There are still some licensed sportsbooks operating in Kenya which offer bets in KES and English-speaking customer support.
You can also register at sites that are licensed overseas. Kenyans are accepted at many betting sites with free bets so you can start placing risk-free wagers straight away.
Proper Licensing from a Reputable Jurisdiction
Betting companies in Kenya must be licensed by the BCLB (Betting and Licensing Control Board). It’s imperative to choose a site that is licensed and we only recommend sites that are fully licenced.
Good Range of Mobile Betting
Most Kenyans deposit and bet on sports via mobile apps. It’s important to access a good iOS and Android app or log in to secure sites direct through your device.
Wide Selection of Payment Options
Banking options at many top betting sites in Kenya are limited. In most cases you you’ll have to use your M-PESA bill to make a payment. But the best overseas sites accepting Kenyan players will allow you to use a credit card, prepaid card or e-Wallet.
Dozens of Sports to Bet On
Reputable betting firms in Kenya should offer markets on everything from football and basketball to tennis cricket and ice hockey. No matter what you want to wager on, the site should cover it.
Good Customer Support 24/7
Solid customer support is important if you run into problems. Many Kenyan sportsbooks offer 24-hour customer service via live chat or phone.
Low Fees on Withdrawals
It’s important to enjoy cheap betting in Kenya. That means finding sportsbooks that don’t charge a fortune to make a withdrawal. The best betting sites in Kenya carry low fees every time.
Great Range of Bonuses & Promotions
Kenyan betting sites will always offer a welcome bonus for new players. But regular customers should also be able to claim ongoing promotions like free bets, enhanced odds, or a VIP scheme.
Available Payment Options in Kenya
Probably the easiest way to fund your betting account in Kenya is to register using your mobile phone. You can also use your phone bill to make deposits.
Kenyan betting sites will normally have their own M-Pesa business number. You can use this in the cashier to send funds. You will also receive a PIN that acts as a receipt for your transaction.
Withdrawals at Kenyan betting sites usually carry a fee if you don’t cash out above a certain amount. Some sportsbooks charge around KES16.00-20.00 if your withdrawal amount is less than KES500. It’s always worth checking the details in the cashier before you proceed.
Best Sports to Bet on at Kenya Sportsbooks
If you want to bet in Kenya, it’s important to choose the right sports. The best betting sites will always offer hundreds of markets on a range of diverse sports. You should also have access to in-play betting where you can make wagers as the game evolves. Here are a few popular sports you can bet on in 2020.
Football
Football
Football is easily the most popular sport for betting in Kenya. The best Kenyan betting sites will offer match odds on markets from England to Brazil, and you’ll even find non-league markets available.
A good football betting site in Kenya may offer over 150 markets on a single match. Choose from outright (Home/Draw/Away) to correct score and Half-Time/Full-Time result.
Football bonuses are also common. Popular promotions include money back if a match finishes 0-0 or enhanced odds on a 1st goalscorer pick.
In-play betting on football is also widely available. Bet live on matches as they happen and choose fast markets like Scorer of Next Goal and Time of Next Corner. You can also follow the action live via a graphic visualiser showing up-to-date stats.
Cricket
Cricket
Most betting firms in Kenya offer markets on cricket. Place home/away bets or bet the Over/Under on total number of fours. A single cricket match might have over 75 markets.
Tennis
Tennis
Tennis lends itself well to in-play betting, but you can also bet on outright markets like tournament winners. Live betting markets for tennis include the winner of the next set, next point or next ace.
Basketball
Basketball
The top betting sites in Kenya always have a heavy focus on basketball. You can place bets on all NBA games, including Home/Away, Total Points Over/Under, and up to 100 markets on various outcomes. The best sportsbooks take bets on league matches across the world.
Rugby
Rugby
At many Kenyan betting sites, and certainly sportsbooks licensed in the UK, you can bet on a range of Rugby Union and Rugby League games. Bet on 1X2 (Home/Draw/Away), Total Points Over/Under, or alternative markets like 1st Half Total Tries.
Kenya Betting FAQs
Which betting sites are legal in Kenya?
Which betting sites are working in Kenya?
Do you pay taxes on gambling winnings in Kenya?
About the author
Alan Penny
Editor-in-Chief
Alan hails from Northern Ireland and is an avid fan of all sports. He has been with us since 2017 and serves as SBO’s Editor-in-Chief. Alan passionately covers everything from the latest regulatory developments across the globe to tips on the latest football matches.
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