The Government of Kenya has suspended licenses of 27 betting firms operating in Kenya until they prove that they are tax complaint.
KDRTV is aware that on Wednesday, July 10, the Betting Control and Licensing Board, Liti Wambua instructed all mobile money transfer providers to withdraw the pay bill numbers that alleged nom-tax compliant betting firms were using.
“We wish to inform you that the licenses for the following betting firms were not renewed until they meet the outstanding renewal requirements as well as outcome of ongoing due diligence to determine if they are fit and proper to hold a license from this board. Consequently, we request you to suspend their pay bills and short codes until otherwise advised,” Wambua stated
List of 27 Betting Firms that has been suspended by the Government:
- SportPesa
- Betin
- Betway
- Betpawa
- Elitebet
- PremierBet
- Lucky2u
- 1xBet
- MozzartBet
- Dafabet
- World Sports Betting
- Atari Gaming
- Palms Bet
- Betboss
- Kick-Off
- Millionaire Sports Bet
- Cheza Cash
- Betyetu
- Bungabet
- Cysabet
- Saharabet
- Easibet
- Easleighbet
- Sportybet
- AGB lottery and gaming
- Atari
- Kickoff
During his 2019 budget speech, Henry Rotich, the Finace Cabinet Secretary proposed a 10 percent excise duty on betting for every amount that is staked in a bit to curb the negative impacts the gambling has brought to the society
Rotich hinted that gambling has adverse effects on the society especially youths, and they need protection from the vice.
“Betting has become widespread in our society and its expansion has had negative social effects, particularly to the young and vulnerable members of our society. In order to curtail the negative effects arising from betting activities, I propose to introduce excise duty on betting activities at the rate of ten percent of the amount staked,” he told Parliament.
