Revealed: List of betting websites operating illegally
The Board's investigations revealed that these unauthorised websites were blatantly violating gambling regulations established by BCLB. "Unauthorised betting websites have sparked public outrage by operating without approval from the Board," the letter stated.
The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has identified 58 betting websites operating illegally in Kenya.
In a letter sent to the Communication Authority of Kenya and Safaricom on April 29, 2025, BCLB Director Peter Mbugi expressed concern over the fraudulent nature of these platforms.
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He highlighted how the sites lure Kenyans by accepting deposits but then refuse to pay out winnings, leaving users vulnerable to financial exploitation.
The Board's investigations revealed that these unauthorised websites were blatantly violating gambling regulations established by BCLB. "Unauthorised betting websites have sparked public outrage by operating without approval from the Board," the letter stated.
The BCLB has received numerous complaints from citizens who claim that these sites demand money through betting schemes but fail to deliver on promised payouts.
Mbugi emphasised that these platforms, which primarily accept payments via pay bill numbers or STK push services, were operating without proper oversight and must be shut down immediately.
In response, the BCLB has ordered the suspension of these illegal sites and their associated paybill numbers.
"The Board has determined that necessary measures must be taken against the listed websites, including their immediate shutdown," Mbugi stated.
The letter further directed Safaricom to suspend the paybill numbers linked to these websites, which have been central to their operation.
This action is part of a broader effort to protect consumers and ensure that betting services in Kenya adhere to established legal and regulatory standards.
This move comes amid growing concerns over the negative effects of betting on vulnerable populations, particularly the youth.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has also taken a strong stance on gambling-related advertisements.
On the same day, the DCI issued a statement condemning the surge in such ads across various media platforms, warning that they were encouraging vulnerable individuals to engage in reckless gambling behaviour.
The DCI has pledged to enforce the government's suspension of gambling advertisements and work closely with BCLB to improve regulatory oversight of the sector.
In the statement, the DCI emphasised that mobile money services and online lending platforms have made it easier for individuals to access betting, deepening the gambling crisis.
"Many are enticed to 'invest' what little they have, while others waste valuable time and resources chasing unrealistic returns, to the detriment of their futures," the DCI statement read.
The Directorate also called on social media influencers and bloggers to stop promoting betting platforms through paid partnerships, deeming such endorsements unethical.
Here’s a list of the illegal betting websites currently under investigation:
List of betting websites operating illegally.
List of betting websites operating illegally
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