FULL LIST: Govt Flags Over 50 Betting Websites Operating Illegally
BCLB Director Peter Mbugi stated that these platforms deceive users by accepting deposits but failing to honour payouts.
Marvin Chege 
The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has identified more than 50 betting websites operating unlawfully within Kenya’s internet domain.
In an official letter dated Tuesday, April 29, and addressed to the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA), with a copy sent to leading telecommunications provider Safaricom, BCLB Director Peter Mbugi stated that these platforms deceive users by accepting deposits but failing to honour payouts.
He further indicated that investigations have revealed a blatant disregard for the gambling regulations established by the Board.
"Unauthorised betting websites have sparked public outrage by operating without approval from the Board. The Board has taken note of complaints from concerned citizens regarding these platforms, which exploit users by demanding money through betting schemes.
Photo of a person keeping records of bets. /VENAS NEWS
"Investigations by the Board reveal that these fraudulent sites scam bettors by accepting deposits via pay bill numbers or STK push services, only to withhold payouts. Additionally, the platforms violate the gaming regulations set by the Board, necessitating their immediate shutdown," the letter read in part.
The directive lists several companies found to be operating unlawfully, including Cheza Crash, Skai Crash, Crash KE, and Simple Crash. Also named are Aviator VIP, Aviator Pesa, Aviator KE, and Luckybet KE. Additional flagged platforms include Nimbo Crash, Mita Sita, Saf Crash, Vuma Bet, and Next Papi.
Other sites mentioned include Chachisha, Bet 222, Uvoset Games, Box Crash, Win KSH, Aviator, and Pesa Chap. The list continues with Pawa Crash, Pesa Pawa, Pepea Pro, Bingo Crash, and 1Win Kenya.
Casino Bonus, Pata Mia, Play Mania, Jet X, and Peperusha were also included, along with Cheza Aviator, Cheza Game, Aviator 254, Nimble Bet, Fanika Bet, and Inuka Bet.
Kamata Bet, Bet Ngori, Shinda Crash, Jumbo Tickets, Q Bet, and Top Crash were also flagged. The list further includes Plan Bet, Game Mapro, Metabet, Win Sasa, Aviator Game, and Maybets.
Lastly, the directive highlighted Box Crash once more, as well as repeat or variant entries for Pawa Crash, Pepea Crash, Pepea, Pesa Crash, Win, Win KSH, and Pesa Spin.
Consequently, Mbugi called for the immediate deactivation of the websites and the suspension of their associated paybill numbers.
"The Board has determined that necessary measures must be taken against the listed websites, including their immediate shutdown. Additionally, by copy of this letter, Safaricom PLC Limited is hereby instructed to suspend all associated Pay Bill numbers with immediate effect," the statement added.
This comes after the BCLB ordered an immediate suspension of gambling advertisements and testimonials across all media platforms in the country for a period of 30 days.
Moreover, unregulated betting platforms, both physical and online, could face the full force of the law after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) vowed to take action amidst a sweeping crackdown against unlawful gambling in the country.
