Is SportyBet Working in Kenya?
As of March 2025, SportyBet is no longer operational in Kenya due to regulatory and taxation disputes with the Kenyan government. The platform ceased its services in the country following challenges related to tax compliance and licensing, marking another significant exit in Kenya’s betting industry. This article examines the reasons behind SportyBet’s withdrawal, its past offerings, and the broader impact on the Kenyan betting market.
SportyBet’s Exit from Kenya
SportyBet was previously one of Kenya’s most popular sports betting platforms, providing a wide range of betting options for local users. However, due to increasing regulatory pressure and taxation disputes, the company was forced to suspend its operations.
One of the key factors leading to SportyBet’s exit was a tax claim by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), reportedly amounting to Ksh 5 billion. The dispute led to the suspension of the platform’s license, followed by the freezing of its paybill numbers and bank accounts, which severely impacted its ability to operate.
This situation is not unique to SportyBet. In recent years, Kenyan regulators have taken a firm stance against betting companies, with many facing operational difficulties or being forced to exit the market altogether.
Impact on the Kenyan Betting Industry
The number of licensed betting companies in Kenya has steadily declined from 128 in September 2023 to 118 in August 2024, reflecting the increasing difficulties operators face due to regulatory measures.
SportyBet, like other affected companies, encountered significant operational barriers, including frozen bank accounts and restricted paybill access. These restrictions not only affected the company’s cash flow but also impacted its ability to pay employees and meet other financial obligations.
Legal Proceedings and Industry Response
SportyBet has engaged in legal battles challenging the regulatory actions taken against it. The company has argued that the freezing of its accounts has led to severe operational difficulties. However, despite its legal efforts, it has not been able to resume operations in Kenya as of March 2025.
This trend extends beyond SportyBet, with other major operators, such as Betking and Betway, also struggling to maintain their presence in Kenya due to similar regulatory and financial pressures.
Features SportyBet Previously Offered in Kenya
Before its suspension, SportyBet provided Kenyan bettors with a range of attractive features, including:
- Diverse Sportsbook: The platform covered popular sports such as football, basketball, tennis, rugby, and cricket, along with virtual sports and e-sports betting.
- Live Betting: Users could place bets on ongoing matches with real-time odds.
- Mobile Accessibility: SportyBet offered a user-friendly website and dedicated mobile apps for Android and iOS, making betting convenient on smartphones and tablets.
Despite its popularity, SportyBet’s departure highlights the volatility of the Kenyan betting market, where companies face ongoing regulatory uncertainty.
Alternative Betting Options for Kenyan Users
Although SportyBet is no longer available in Kenya, several licensed betting platforms continue to operate in the country. These include companies that have successfully navigated regulatory challenges and complied with the taxation requirements set by the Kenyan government.
For bettors seeking alternatives, local and international platforms with proper BCLB licensing remain accessible. However, given the unpredictable regulatory environment, operators must continuously adapt to remain compliant.
Recommended