Best Betting Companies in Kenya

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SMART BZFILTER
Kenya’s sports betting industry is packed with options, but only a few are known for doing things the right way. After testing and comparing leading names, I identified the platforms that meet both local and international standards. These sites are licensed by the Betting Control and Licensing Board and accept payments through M-Pesa or Airtel Money. Check out my table below to see the top-rated popular online betting sites available in Kenya today.
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4.0
3.3

Here’s a quick look at Kenya’s gambling market as it stands today. It covers the key regulations, tax setup, and favorite sports and competitions, along with the biggest betting sites that have earned the most attention in the country.

 

📅 Sports Betting Legal Since 1966
🏢 Regulatory Body Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya (BCLB before)
⚖️ Legal Acts Gambling Control Act
🧾 Taxation: Winnings are taxed at 20%
⚽ Favorite Sports to Bet on Football
🏅 Widespread Tournaments\Competitions to Bet On FKF Premier League, EPL, UEFA Champions League
🎰 Other Popular Gambling Markets: Lotteries, Virtual Sports, Jackpots
⭐ The Biggest Bookmakers Betika, SportPesa, Odibets

Sports betting became legal in Kenya in 1966 after the government introduced the Betting, Lotteries, and Gaming Act. The law established the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), which regulated gambling activities until 2025; today the sector is overseen by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya (GRA) under the Gambling Control Act, 2025. This move brought structure to an industry that was already growing informally and helped the government collect revenue through licensing and taxes.

Currently, online and retail sports wagering are fully legal under Kenyan law. Both local and international operators can offer their services as long as they meet the regulator’s licensing standards (now set by the GRA under the Gambling Control Act, 2025) and follow tax obligations. Users are also protected under the same framework, with measures in place to ensure fair play and responsible gambling.

Over the years, several updates have been made to strengthen oversight. One major milestone came in 2019, when the government introduced stricter rules on operator licensing and tax compliance. The new tax regulation raised excise duty from 10% to 20%. This led to the suspension of several brands that didn’t meet the new requirements. Since then, only licensed sports betting companies approved by the regulator are allowed to operate legally in Kenya.

The tax regime saw another dramatic shift with the Finance Act 2025. The government reduced the Excise Duty on betting and gaming from 15% to 5%. The tax base was shifted: the 5% is now applied to the amount deposited into a customer’s wallet, not the amount wagered. This measure was designed to help the government capture revenue from foreign online platforms. Furthermore, the Withholding Tax on winnings was reduced from the previous 20% on net winnings to 5% on the gross amount withdrawn from the punter’s wallet. These taxes apply automatically, meaning the deductions are handled before funds move in or out of your account. Despite these charges, the market remains active, and Kenya continues to be one of Africa’s most regulated and dynamic sports gambling environments.

With so many names in the market, it helps to know which ones are licensed and worth your time. Below are the legit betting sites in Kenya, each briefly reviewed to show what you can expect.

Betika

PROS CONS
PROS
  • Strong brand recognition
  • Fast M-Pesa deposit and withdrawals
  • Robust live betting
  • Frequent promos and jackpots
CONS
  • Lower odds on main events against some competitors
  • Limits can feel tight for experienced bettors

Betika is one of the top mobile-friendly sportsbooks in Kenya. The website works well on phones, and there’s a mobile app available on the Google Play and App Store for Android and iOS users.

Accessibility aside, it covers over 15 sports markets, including popular options like football, Esports, and Virtuals.

Users can explore several types of wagers, although advanced options like bet builders aren’t available, which can actually simplify decisions for many.

Another feature that draws attention is Betika’s jackpots. Daily and weekly jackpots let users wager on selected sports with prizes that can reach up to 15 million KES.

For signing up, users receive a small daily bonus based on their first deposit, along with other promotions such as win boosts on multi-bets and free wagers.

Browser os Betika Website

The minimum deposit starts at 10 KES, and withdrawals begin at 50 KES.

Payments can be made through local options like M-Pesa, Airtel Money, USSD, or direct bank transfer.

On the downside, some popular markets carry higher margins that can reach around 6%, and cautious limits apply for sharp users.

SportPesa

PROS CONS
PROS
  • Large loyal customer base
  • Consistent payouts
  • Solid compliance
CONS
  • Less aggressive bonuses
  • Prices typically sit around mid-market

SportPesa covers 11 sports markets, which may feel limited, but it goes in-depth on the options it offers.

Browser os SportPesa Website

Football fans get the most out of the platform, with access to international leagues like the English Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A, as well as national competitions such as the SportPesa League (Kenyan Premier League). The odds on football events are very competitive, and the platform often offers boosted odds on selected matches.

SportPesa is also famous for its jackpots. The bookie has some of the largest prize pots in Kenya. There are five mega jackpots with prizes ranging from 19 million KES to 107 million KES, plus a weekly jackpot. Users can enter by making between 13 and 17 wagers on selected markets.

The minimum deposit is 10 KES, and withdrawals start at 50 KES. Payments are accepted via M-Pesa and Airtel Money.

The platform also has a mobile app available for iOS and Android users, so you can bet and manage your account on the go.

The main disadvantage is the limited sports coverage. For sports other than football, margins are less competitive compared to other top betting sites in Kenya. Another downside is the lack of promotions for new and existing users, which may make it less attractive for those looking for extra rewards.

Odibets

PROS CONS
PROS
  • Easy sign-up
  • Quick withdrawals
  • Clean, simple interface
CONS
  • Narrower market depth than market leaders

Odibets is one of the best options for casual users who prefer to stake small amounts. The minimum stake starts at just 1 KES, making it accessible for anyone.

Browser os Odibets Website

The platform covers about 16 traditional sports, including football, baseball, snooker, and tennis, and it also offers virtuals and fantasy sports, which adds variety for users.

The site is simple and easy to navigate, and there’s a mobile app available for both iOS and Android users if you want to manage your wagers on the go.

Deposits start at 1 KES, and withdrawals begin at 100 KES using M-Pesa, which is convenient for users who prefer local payment methods.

New users get a 10% cashback up to 200 KES if they lose their first wager.

The downsides include the limited sports coverage and a narrower range of wager types. The live section does not include live streaming, which may disappoint users who like to follow events in real time.

MozzartBet

PROS CONS
PROS
  • Good market depth and solid live coverage
  • Regular promotions
CONS
  • Heavier interface
  • Support can slow at peak times

MozzartBet covers over 13 sports markets, including football, basketball, and niche options like handball. The platform also offers virtuals, which adds variety for users. Popular leagues have huge selections, often over 400 choices, including parlays, 1×2 market, totals, etc. MozzartBet provides detailed stats such as team form, head-to-head results, and player performance, which help users make more precise decisions.

Browser os MozzartBet Website

The in-play section is not limited to traditional sports. Esports are included, and selected major events come with free live streaming.

The site is user-friendly and offers dark and light themes, which are easier on the eyes for extended use. Also, MozzartBet has dedicated mobile apps for Android and iOS for betting on-the-go.

For deposits and withdrawals, you can use M-Pesa.

New users get a 20% deposit bonus up to 5,000 KES, and there’s a super daily jackpot with a prize pool of up to 20,000,000 KES.

Some downsides stem from the site’s success. The interface can feel clumsy because of in-depth sports coverage. Live chat connects you with a human representative in under a minute, but response times can vary, especially during peak hours.

BangBet

PROS CONS
PROS
  • Lightweight app
  • Quick M-Pesa deposits
  • Straightforward promos
CONS
  • Less social proof than the leaders
  • Primarily mobile-first UX

BangBet is one of the best online betting sites in Kenya for football fans. It covers international leagues such as the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, and the MLS, and also features events from over 40 other countries, including Egypt, Algeria, the US, and Australia. Beyond football, it offers markets for basketball, volleyball, table tennis, and virtuals.

The in-play section gives users a range of options, including multiple live wagers. It provides detailed stats for matches, helping you follow team and player performance. Although live streaming isn’t available, the platform has a match tracker, which shows the movement of the field and the progression of the game.

New users receive a 200% match-up bonus on their first deposit. Existing users can benefit from offers such as 7% daily loss cashback. There’s also a 15,000,000 KES jackpot available for users.

The bookmaker accepts mobile payments such as Airtel Money and M-Pesa. The minimum deposit is 1 KES, and the minimum withdrawal is 100 KES.

A dedicated mobile app is available for iOS and Android users.

One downside is the site’s interface. It retains the mobile UI even on a desktop, which may seem limiting for users who prefer to place bets via a PC. The overall coverage of sports markets is not as wide as what some international competitors offer.

Dafabet

PROS CONS
PROS
  • Competitive odds on top leagues
  • Strong esports presence
  • Stable platform quality
CONS
  • Fewer local jackpots/events
  • KYC can be meticulous

Dafabet is an Asian bookmaker that is localized in Kenya to provide an international wagering experience. Speaking of localization, they accept M-Pesa and Airtel for transactions. The bookie covers over 20 sports markets.

Browser os Dafabet Website

At the moment, the sportsbook does not have any dedicated mobile apps, but the website has a responsive design that is well optimized for mobile browsers.

Customer support is available 24/7 via email, and phone. At the time of writing, I can see a live chat button, but it is not working.

New users receive a 50% bonus up to 1,000 KES on their first deposit.

Promotions are limited compared to the marker leaders, and Dafabet doesn’t offer huge jackpots or deep coverage of local leagues. The KYC process is meticulous, which ensures secure accounts, but it can slow down access to all site features for new users.

1xBet

PROS CONS
PROS
  • Very wide coverage
  • Many bet types and tools
  • Frequent promos
CONS
  • Busy, sometimes overwhelming UI
  • Variable limits
  • Navigation can challenge newcomers

1xBet offers one of the most popular betting sites in Kenya, with over 35 sports markets, including marbles and Esports. Users can access nearly 10,000 events every day. The platform also has a “Bet on Your National Team” feature, which allows fans to support their country in competitions. Each match comes with multiple staking options, giving users plenty of ways to engage.

Browser os 1xBet Website

For those who prefer in-play betting, 1xBet provides detailed stats, and selected matches include free live streaming.

The mobile app adds convenience and pushes notifications for key events, so you can stay updated on the go.

Deposits start at 10 KES, and withdrawals begin at 100 KES. Supported payment options include Airtel Money and M-Pesa.

New users get a 200% bonus up to 20,000 KES, one of the largest promotions in the country. Existing users also benefit from several offers, including 10% cashback on Airtel Money reloads and a 35% cashback bonus.

The main drawback is the site’s interface. It can appear very cluttered due to the massive amount of content and features, which can easily overwhelm new users.

Melbet

PROS CONS
PROS
  • Deep markets
  • Strong in-play betting and live streaming
  • Convenient accumulator tools
CONS
  • Cluttered interface in places
  • Responsible-gaming tools feel more basic

Melbet is popular for its huge selection of leagues. Users can access over 200 leagues from nearly 30 countries, including Italy, Spain, and Germany.

Browser os Melbet Website

The pre-match section provides detailed stats and a wide range of options, including over/under, handicaps, and accumulators. Beyond pre-match, there are over 1,000 live wagering options daily. Selected events come with live streaming, and for matches without streaming, the platform provides match trackers to follow the action.

A cash out tool is also available for users who want more control over their wagers.

Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat, which adds convenience for urgent issues. You can also reach them by email or toll free phone number.

Payments are accepted through M-Pesa.

New users get a 200% bonus up to 25,700 KES on their first deposit. Existing users can access multiple offers, such as up to 100% on an accumulator if it loses by one leg and a 10% weekly cashback when wagering via the mobile app.

The website and app are very busy, which can make navigation harder for new users. The platform also offers only a limited number of responsible gambling tools.

22Bet

PROS CONS
PROS
  • Fast M-Pesa deposits
  • Clear, easy-to-understand bonuses
  • Stable, simple UX
CONS
  • The odds are usually average

22Bet is one of the best options for users who like exploring different sports markets. It covers a wide range, from common ones like football, tennis, and basketball to regional and specialty sports such as futsal, boxing, and beach volleyball. It also has one of the largest Esports selections in Kenya, with close to 20 titles including PUBG, Overwatch, MLBB, and Halo. Beyond sports, users can wager on non-sporting events like politics and polybets.

Browser os 22Bet Website

Both local and international competitions are featured, and fixtures come with deep wagering options. There are up to 1,300 ways to stake on a single event. Selected sports also include free live streaming.

The site is easy to navigate, and signing up is quick, whether you use the website or the mobile app for iOS or Android.

Payments are supported through M-Pesa and Airtel Money.

New users get a 100% welcome bonus up to 19,000 KES on their first deposit, and every Friday, there’s a reload bonus of 100% up to 15,010 KES. Regular users also get boosted odds and extra profit on the Accumulator of the Day.

Its main drawback is that it’s not fully localized for the Kenyan market. It focuses more on international promotions and lacks local partnerships or tailored events, which can make it feel less connected to Kenyan punters.

betPawa

PROS CONS
PROS
  • Very low minimum stake
  • Near-instant M-Pesa
  • Fast, lightweight UX
CONS
  • Fewer sports, betting markets and features than big international brands
  • Weak promos

betPawa is one of the best options for low rollers since the minimum stake is just 1 KES, so you don’t have to risk much to join in.

It takes a mobile-first approach, with a website that works across devices and lightweight apps for both iOS and Android available on their respective stores.

Besides being a micro-stake bookie, betPawa focuses on four sports: football, basketball, eFootball, and tennis, along with virtuals. Even with this small lineup, the site goes deep into each sport and covers events from over 30 countries, including England, Italy, and Spain.

Users also get access to boosted odds on selected events, and jackpots can reach up to 5,000,000 KES.

The platform supports M-Pesa, with a minimum deposit of 1 KES and withdrawals starting at 100 KES. A big plus is that betPawa covers 100% of all deposit and withdrawal charges, so what you send or win is exactly what you get.

Its downsides include having very few sports markets, which limits variety for users who like exploring different events. Promotions are also scarce for existing users, although new users get up to 1,250% on their first acca wager.

SportyBet

PROS CONS
PROS
  • Excellent performance
  • Competitive odds on top matches
  • Good app
CONS
  • Occasional complaints about the responsiveness of customer support

SportyBet covers about 16 sports markets, including football, basketball, tennis, and Esports. What it lacks in variety, it makes up for with its strong in-play section. Users get detailed stats such as possession, shot accuracy, and corner counts. There’s no live streaming, but the site includes a match tracker that shows the flow of the game and where the action is on the pitch.

Browser os SportyBet Website

If a match isn’t going your way, you can use the cash out feature. Full cash out lets you settle your wager before the game ends to cut losses or lock in a profit. Partial cash out lets you take part of your winnings and keep the rest running until the final whistle. The platform also offers boosted odds on live matches and includes a bet builder option for users who prefer to create custom combinations.

SportyBet supports English and Swahili, and its Android or iOS mobile app sends push notifications on new promotions and key events.

Deposits can be made through M-Pesa, starting from 1 KES and going up to 250,000 KES. Withdrawals range from 10 KES to 250,000 KES. Transactions are free for deposits above 250 KES and withdrawals above 500 KES.

The platform also features a jackpot with a prize pool of up to 5,000,000 KES.

The available jackpot and its prize pool are subpar compared to other online sportsbooks of equal standing.

Live chat support is only available after logging in, and email responses may take over a day. Phone calls also don’t always get answered during busy hours.

Comparison Table

To help you decide faster, this comparison table shows how the leading betting sites in Kenya perform, with a focus on their main features.

Casinos
In Play Mode
Live Streaming
Cash Out
Mobile Application
Bookmaker Payout
Min Deposit
Min Bet
Max Profit
Min Withdrawal
Withdrawal Time
Rating
Available
Not Available
Available
Available
96%
KSh10
KSh1
KSh5000000
KSh50
Up to 24 hours
3.5
Available
Not Available
Available
Available
96%
KSh50
KSh10
KSh200000
KSh50
Up to 24 hours
4
Available
Not Available
Available
Available
97%
KSh1
KSh1
Unlimited
KSh100
Up to 24 hours
3.3

Conclusion

  • Online betting in Kenya is regulated by the Gambling Regulatory Authority (BCLB before).
  • Offshore bookies are prohibited. Any operator without a Kenyan license is illegal. You may use them at your own risk.
  • The market leaders are Betika, SportPesa and Odibets.
  • The middle-tier reliable betting sites are Mozzartbet and BangBet.
  • Almost all legal sports bookmakers have dedicated mobile apps for Android and iOS. Today the most popular betting apps in the Kenyan App Store are iLOTBet, 1xBet, and SportyBet; for Android, they are KessBet, Betika, and SportPesa.
  • 1xBet and Melbet are powered by the same BetB2B platform and are the best for in-play betting with live streaming.
  • betPawa is one of the best online sports betting sites for low stakes.
  • The main payment method is mobile money. Almost all licensed betting sites in Kenya accept M-Pesa, and some work with Airtel Money.
Author
Content Writer

Austin is an avid Barcelona fan with a great interest in sports and sports medicine. He has a wealth of experience in the sports betting industry and has been featured on football quizzes.

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