Betting firms have been on the spot in the recent months after Government crackdown led by Interior CS Fred Matiang’i over tax compliance.
Matiang’i had announced that they would do security vetting on their operations and directors in Kenya before renewing the licenses of the betting firms.
On April, Matiang’I vowed to introduce tough measures to regulate betting sector, which he accused of leading youth astray.
The CS gave all firms three months up to July 1 to seek fresh renewal of licenses upon proving tax compliance.
Following the deadline, the State shutdown the paybills of the betting firms in radical measures to ensure toe the line to the new regulations.
Despite the companies moving to court and public outry even including some leaders, only licenses of about 10 companies were renewed which were deemed to be tax compliant by Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
- Odibets – The betting firm, deemed as one of the fastest growing in the country, was among the first one to be cleared by the Government for operations. It even went ahead to implenet the 20% withholding tax on their winnings
- Eazi Bet
- Ken Bookmakers
- Eastleighbet
- Mozzartbet
- Lucky 2u
- Palms Bet
- Bet boss
- Kick off
- Easi bet
However, the State has declined to renew the licenses of betting giants Sportpesa and Betin, whose fate still remains unknown.
