The limits for Airtel Money are the same as M-Pesa: up to KES 250,000 per transaction, KES 500,000 per day, and a total balance limit of KES 500,000. This gives users in most cases enough room to fund their accounts or withdraw larger winnings. When it comes to fees for betting transactions, deposits to a bookmaker via Airtel Money Paybill are often free at specific operators or during promotions, while withdrawals follow Airtel’s official tariff bands (which may change); small withdrawals typically incur low fees.
An increasing number of licensed bookmakers in Kenya now accept Airtel Money deposits and withdrawals, though the number is still much lower compared to those working with M-Pesa. For any bookmaker to legally accept Airtel payments, it must be registered locally and hold a valid license from the national regulator (now the Gambling Regulatory Authority, formerly BCLB).
These are some of the best legal sportsbooks in Kenya where you can deposit and withdraw using Airtel Money quickly and securely.
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Top Five Betting Sites in Kenya That Accept Airtel Money
Here are five licensed betting sites with Airtel Paybill. They offer accommodating limits for both low and high rollers and feature generous rewards through regular promotions and jackpots.
| Bookmaker | Minimum Deposit | Deposit Fee | Minimum Withdrawal | Withdrawal Fee |
| SportPesa* | KES 10 | Free | KES 10 | Depends on payment provider |
| BangBet | KES 1 | Free | KES 100 | Varies |
| 22Bet | KES 112 | Free | KES 225 | Varies |
| 1xBet | KES 10 | Free | KES 100 | Varies |
| BetLion | KES 10 | Free | KES 50 | Varies |
*The table figures do not include the 5% excise tax or the 5% withholding tax levied on winnings. SportPesa is an exception, as it covers the 5% withholding tax, meaning punters receive 100% of their net payout.
SportPesa
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SportPesa is one of Kenya’s most recognized bookies, known for its long presence and large loyal base.
It covers over 12 sports, from football, tennis, and basketball to niche options like MMA and handball. The platform offers a wide variety of options, such as match winner, over/under, and correct score markets. Users also get detailed stats on pre-match and in-play events, helping them make better picks.
Live matches feature match trackers that show real-time updates such as possession, shots on target, and goals. This tool gives users a clear picture of how a game is unfolding and acts as a practical alternative to live streaming, which SportPesa doesn’t currently offer. The focus on detailed football coverage makes this tool particularly valuable for fans following local and international leagues.
SportPesa also runs several jackpots, including five mega jackpots worth up to KES 120,000,000 and weekly jackpots that can reach KES 30,000,000. These attract punters looking for big wins with small stakes.
Deposits and withdrawals start at just KES 10 through Airtel Money, and transactions go through instantly. Deposits are free, and SportPesa doesn’t charge internal withdrawal fees, though your payment provider might. The platform also covers the 5% withholding tax on winnings, so users get their full payout without deductions.
That said, promotions are limited. There aren’t many ongoing offers for new or returning users. Standard odds tend to be slightly below average, though SportPesa does feature boosted odds, mainly aimed at football fans.
This makes it a dependable option for football-focused users, especially those who value reliable payments, clear terms, and a user-friendly experience over flashy promotions.
BangBet
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BangBet is a mobile-first bookmaker built for users who prefer using their phones. This focus gives it an advantage, especially since most punters in Kenya rely on mobile access.
To make the experience even better, BangBet supports Airtel Money for deposits and withdrawals, starting from just KES 1 and KES 100, respectively. Deposits reflect instantly, which is great for jumping on live football markets or placing an urgent wager. Withdrawals take only a few minutes. The bookie also accepts M-Pesa.
Football is the main focus here, with up to 200 markets available on popular fixtures. This range lets users explore several outcomes beyond basic match results. The platform also hosts frequent live events, giving punters more action to follow throughout the day.
Customer support is available 24/7 through live chat, phone, and email. Responses are usually quick, which helps resolve transaction or account issues fast.
Sadly, the site doesn’t resize well on desktop, so the performance there feels limited. The bookmaker also covers around three sports markets, which makes it less favorable for users who prefer a broader selection. BangBet works best for those focused on football and looking for quick Airtel Money transactions and a fast, phone-friendly setup.
22Bet
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22Bet is one of the most well-rounded betting companies in Kenya, covering over 25 sports markets. It goes beyond traditional sports and includes options for virtual sports, horse racing, and more than 25 Esports titles such as Rocket League, DOTA, League of Legends, and World of Tanks. This wide coverage means it’s suited to users who like mixing mainstream and niche events.
The platform provides detailed stats on events and also features free live streaming on selected sports. It includes a cash out tool that gives users the chance to secure their returns before a game ends.
22Bet also has mobile apps for both iOS and Android.
Airtel Money is one of the fastest payment options available on 22Bet. The minimum deposit is KES 112, and the minimum withdrawal is KES 225. Transactions are quick, so punters can fund their accounts or withdraw without long delays.
New users get a 100% welcome offer of up to KES 19,000 on their first deposit, and there are regular promotions offering cashback and free bets.
The main drawback is that the minimum limits for Airtel Money are quite high compared to alternatives like M-Pesa, which allows deposits as low as KES 10. The odds are also not among the best in the market, and the bookie lacks some advanced tools, such as a bet builder.
1xBet
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1xBet is one of the biggest bookmakers in Kenya, covering over 30 sports markets with close to 10,000 daily pre-match and live events. It has a feature called “Bet on Your National Team,” which lets users back their country across different sports and competitions.
The platform also offers free HD live streaming on selected events, which gives users the chance to follow games directly without leaving the site.
As one of the leading Airtel Money betting sites in Kenya, 1xBet allows deposits starting from KES 10 and withdrawals from KES 100. Deposits are instant, making it ideal for those who want to react quickly to live markets or time-sensitive odds. Withdrawals take about 15 minutes, which is faster than what many competitors offer.
There’s also a 10% cashback reward when you make a minimum deposit of KES 388. For new users, the welcome offer doubles your first deposit by 200% up to KES 20,000. Beyond that, 1xBet has one of the widest collections of promotions among Kenyan bookies. The Hyper Bonus offers up to 1,000% (capped at KES 2,260,751) on winning accumulator wagers of four to fifty selections. On-the-go punters who place ten wagers using the mobile app also get a free bet worth the average of their total wagers, up to KES 1,500.
The downside is that with so many features and promotions packed into one platform, the website can look cluttered. The number of menus and tools can be overwhelming at first, and it might take some time for newcomers to get familiar with navigation.
Betlion
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Betlion covers basketball, tennis, volleyball, and several other sports, but football is its main focus. You’ll find action on major events like the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and La Liga, along with local leagues such as the FKF Premier League.
It also has plenty of wagering options, including match winner and over/under markets. It’s one of the few bookies on this list with a bet builder. The feature lets users combine multiple selections from the same match into one slip, offering more control over predictions.
The platform also runs super boosts that raise the odds on selected games, giving punters a chance to get higher returns on winning tickets.
Deposits start from KES 10, and withdrawals can be as low as KES 50. Transactions are free, though Airtel Money may apply standard charges. Betlion also accepts M-Pesa and provides clear tutorials on how to use both payment options, which is helpful for new users trying mobile deposits for the first time. For SMS deposits, the minimum limit drops to just KES 1, which makes it one of the most accessible bookies in Kenya.
There’s also an acca bonus that can increase winnings by up to 1,250% on selections ranging from 3 to 50, with the maximum bonus capped at KES 2,500,000. It’s a strong incentive for punters who like building large slips.
The downsides are limited promotions and no live streaming option. The site also lacks depth in niche props, so those looking for very specific markets might find fewer choices. Still, Betlion’s focus on football, free transactions, and beginner-friendly setup make it a practical sportsbook for everyday use.
Conclusion
- Airtel Money is Kenya’s No. 2 mobile wallet after M-Pesa (about 9.1% of mobile-money subscriptions).
- Limits match M-Pesa: KES 250,000 per transaction, KES 500,000 per day, and a KES 500,000 balance cap.
- Deposits are typically instant; withdrawals usually land within minutes.
- Many bookmakers cover deposit fees; withdrawal charges follow Airtel’s tariff bands.
- Kenya’s current taxes: 5% excise on deposits and 5% withholding on withdrawals; SportPesa absorbs the 5% WHT so players receive the full payout.
- The best betting sites with Airtel Money are SportPesa, BangBet, 22Bet, 1xBet, and BetLion.