The Top 5 Licensed and Regulated Bookmakers in Kenya

18 November, 2022 (UPDATE 7 May, 2024)
13 minutes to read

Bookmaking companies have found success all over the world, and Kenya is no exception. Many local folks are putting their luck and sports knowledge on the test, trying to gain some cash. Meanwhile, this form of entertainment keeps growing, every now and then numerous one-day bookies appear out of nowhere. In order to avoid the fate of a victim of deceit, it’s always crucial to check the platform before signing up for an account. In this article, we’re going to highlight the factors you should consider before selecting a bookmaker for yourself and compile a list of the top five licensed bookmakers in Kenya. Let’s get started!

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Factors to Consider Upon Selecting the Bookmaker

Factors to Consider Upon Selecting the Bookmaker

It’s been said a million times, and yet we are here to repeat this once again. The most important factor to consider when picking a bookie is legality. Being a legally operating company doesn’t mean that you can just hang up a license in a frame on the wall. First and foremost, it means that the bookmaker has everything that it takes to secure the safety of your personal data, including information on your ID and your bank cards.

The advantages of using a licensed and regulated bookmaker in Kenya include the following:

  • You don’t have to worry about the security of your funds, as the bookmaker is subject to strict financial regulations.
  • If something goes wrong, you will have legal options available to you, and if the truth is on your side, you will be able to get your money back.
  • The bookmaker is governed by stringent laws and ordinances, which guarantees that they treat consumers fairly and openly.

Of course, as with any other factor, legality has its own cons. The biggest one is hidden somewhere around odds. Various unlicensed bookies can afford to set the highest odds on the local markets in an attempt to lure some naive punters in. But there’s absolutely no guarantee that if your stake rolls, you will get the rightful winnings, as the company can happen to not have this amount of money. This should lead you to the logical conclusion that you can either have the greatest odds on the planet or have the confidence that you will receive the winnings at all, let alone the security of your data.

Another crucial factor to pay attention to is ratings and reviews. Be sure that thousands of Kenyans have checked any platform before you, so you can listen to their first-hand opinions. Going through various ratings and unpaid reviews will help you make the right decision.

The Top 5 Licensed and Regulated Bookmakers in Kenya

The Top 5 Licensed and Regulated Bookmakers in Kenya

Well, here we are with our top-five picks for Kenyan bookmakers with a license. It’s worth noting right now that the list was compiled without the intention of ranking bookies from best to worst. It’s only your choice based on the provided information.

  • BetWay

BetWay is a decent Kenyan-based bookmaker with a license for gambling operations. The bookie has a giant playerbase across Africa and the appreciation for the service grows every year. The selection offered by BetWay is pretty large and includes the trending sporting and eSports disciplines like soccer, cycling, tennis, CS:GO, Dota 2, and League of Legends. In addition to these sports selections, the company regularly comes up with generous promotions like the accumulator of the day and special offers on bets on preselected tournaments.

  • 22Bet

22Bet, an operational bookmaker with a valid local license, keeps up with the times, offering its customers the most innovative services. For instance, you are able to download the mobile application, which is available for both Android-based and Apple gadgets. The app itself is quite well-designed, does not consume heaps of internet traffic, and does not overload the system overall. What’s also unique about the 22Bet is the ability to sign up by utilizing your social network accounts, like Google or Facebook. This option helps you to get started as quickly as possible.

In addition to all the mentioned benefits, 22Bet is renowned for its substantial and special benefits for customers, ranging from a welcome bonus to exclusive promotions on preselected world tournaments and events.

  • BetWinner

This bookmaker is known for its great customer service and straightforward design. It’s a perfect place where you can get your hands on betting and start gaining knowledge and experience. The odds are pretty competitive, and the large range of sporting events surprises with its coverage. What makes it even better is that the process of placing a bet is firmly intuitive, and even a complete newcomer can figure it out without seeking guidance.

BetWinner’s app can also come in handy when you don’t like betting on the PC. The rating says that the app doesn’t bug often, and the overall impression is 4.8 out of 5.0.

  • MelBet

The Kenyan-based bookmaker with a license, MelBet, meets all international quality standards and what you generally expect from a betting platform in the 21st century. Betting markets and sports selections are represented well enough, so you can find anything that is interesting to you. Be it a soccer match or the upcoming CS:GO’ The International. It’s worth noting that the company always improves to keep the security protocols and the platform’s conditions up-to-date and as effective as possible.

  • 1xBet

1xBet’s presence in this list should not be a surprise if you have ever heard anything about the betting industry. The company was established back in 2007, and has been operational since then, expanding its coverage across the globe. With its legal arrival in Kenya, the bookie has set high standards in terms of the quality of the platform and customer service. 1xBet has brought betting via Telegram, along with Telegram being used as a form to reach the customer service.

1xBet, like any self-respecting and trustworthy bookmaker, invites you to wager on a wide range of events, including sports, eSports, and non-sporting events such as global political elections or any other form of global entertainment, such as guessing Kim Kardashian’s next boyfriend. In addition to all the perks above, the company allows you to download its own application for free, which can be set up on Android-based and Apple gadgets.

A Comparison of Payment Methods Offered by the Bookmakers

CompanyCryptocurrencyBank cardsE-walletsOnline bankingCashVouchers
22BetBitcoin
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
Skrill
  • SMS
  • Neteller
NoNo
1xBet40+ Coins
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Perfect Money 
  • MoneyGO 
  • Skrill 1-Tap
  • ecoPayz
  • Neteller
  • Payeer 1xbet app
Yes
  • MoneyGO
  • Voucher
BetWayNo
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
Airtel money
  • Lipa Na
  • M-PESA
NoNo
MelBet40+ CoinsPaySafeCard
  • Jeton Wallet
  • WebMoney
  • Perfect Money
  • Sticpay
  • AirTM
  • Skrill
  • MuchBetter
  • MoneyGO
NoNoNo
BetWinner40+ Coins
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Skrill
  • Skrill 1-Tap
  • Perfect Money
  • AirTM
  • WebMoney
  • Perfect Money
  • MuchBetter
  • Sticpay
  • AirTM
  • M-PESA
  • Neteller
  • EcoPayz
YesNo

Final thoughts

Final thoughts

Responsible gaming is a skill that you should start honing before you place your first bet. Legality is the main factor that is going to help you select a secure and modern platform for wagering. While compiling the top-five list, we kept in mind various factors, including the sports range, betting markets, additional features, and, of course, legality. No matter what you are considering the bookie for, an alternative for an existing bookmaker or a place for a fresh start, check out our picks, and you’ll probably find the exact match you were looking for.

OPERATOR BONUS CASHOUT LIVE STREAMING
Betway 5,000 KES Yes No Link
22bet 15,000 KES Yes Yes Link
Betwinner 15,000 KES Yes Yes Link
Melbet 26,280 KES Yes Yes Link
1xBet 20,000 KES Yes Yes Link

Frequently asked questions:

Frequently asked questions:
Which site is best to choose in Kenya?
That is something you should discover for yourself. We’re here to provide you with basic information and crucial factors for consideration, like legality, promotions, and independent reviews, but it’s only your choice.
Which site is the most reliable?
It’s hard to name the most reliable bookmaker because it varies from punter to punter. The best approach you can take is to read reviews, ensure it’s a legal company, check out the platform, and figure out if the platform suits your needs.
Is sports betting and gambling legal in Kenya?
Yes, sports betting and gambling are legal in Kenya, with the remark that the operator should be licensed by the government prior to starting its services.
What should I do if I get scammed by the bookmaker?
If the bookmaker has a license and the customer service staff has not resolved your issue, you’re free to seek help from the gambling commission and law enforcement agencies. If the bookmaker operates without a license, you can only report to the authorities the existence of such a company, but there can be no question of any compensation.

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