The Kenyan wagering industry is experiencing its best years. Even the most modest comments and reviews describe the market as a booming and flourishing entertainment that will never get you bored. The national passion for football and basketball is partially guilty of spreading the fashion for such a hobby as sports wagering. Just like with any other hobby, it can be quite challenging to make a beginning. Likewise, it can be tough even for an avid punter to pick a decent alternative platform for betting. That’s exactly why we have compiled such a piece of copy: to give you a hand in picking a betting website that will meet all your needs.

Before getting started with the review, we’d like to highlight some factors that we have considered when picking a bookmaker:

• Valid license issued by the Kenyan regulators
• Quality of sports selections, betting markets selection, odds
• Reputation and public reviews
• Mobile apps
• Bonuses and promos.
• Perks for existing users
• The Cash-Out feature
• Payment methods
• In-game wagering
• Live streaming

These are the main factors, but if you seek something specific, you can combine our research with yours. Remember to take it slow and study sportsbooks as long as you need in order to select the website that will serve you well.

General Information about Betting in Kenya

Kenya is known for being quite a gambling-friendly African country, with a large and growing number of options for betting. Not only does the number of bookies grow, but the number of local punters also grows every year. Sports wagering is the #1 form of gambling in Kenya, with football being the most beloved sport to wager on.

With high demand comes great responsibility, thus the government has been actively involved in the industry’s progression and has put some weighty restrictions on it, intending to maintain the healthy conditions for both bettors and bookmakers. This goal has been eventually achieved, and thanks to that, a safe and secure gambling environment has been established. Kenyan bettors should never worry about the safety of personal data or digits on a bank card provided while registering. If the company has a license, all technical and security requirements have been met.

Overall, wagering in Kenya is a safe and entertaining activity, as long as you pick a reputable sportsbook. Keep on reading to figure out the best betting site for yourself.

Kenyan Betting Sites Overview

There are many betting sites in Kenya, and it can be quite confusing trying to guess which one is the best. Let’s commence with the general overview of active Kenyan bookies:

SportPesa

The Kenyan version of SportPesa, an international bookmaking company, is pretty decently compiled and covers most of the services each punter is looking for. Main sports disciplines like soccer, handball, and tennis are represented on the platform. Cycling, Formula 1, horse racing, and eSports are among those unavailable on SportPesa. Additionally, the company lacks iOS applications and a cash-out feature.

Our SportPesa grade: 6/10

1xbet

This giant of the bookmaking industry offers an overwhelming selection of sports and betting markets. You’ll be able to explore the world of wagering on the official website, on the mobile apps for Android-based and Apple devices, and on the desktop application for laptops and computers. 1xbet’s welcome bonus is known for being one of the most lavish in the region. And if you select this sportsbook, you’ll have the opportunity to watch games live without opening an extra tab. A modest note: not all matches are available on the site due to legal issues with the broadcasting rights.

Our 1xbet grade: 10/10

Betway

This is another example of a quite advanced bookmaker. Sports disciplines, including eSports, cover all kinds of bettors’ requests, and betting markets are complementary to the great number of sports. Live-streaming is not present on the platform, but additional features like cash-out, in-game wagering, and occasional promotions make up for that.

Our Betway grade: 9/10

22bet

Twenty Two Bet firmly stands in the same line of quality as our previous picks. It offers more than enough sports and eSports disciplines and types of bets. Various promos and perks are available along with the well-designed mobile applications. Most likely, you will not regret your choice if you decide to give 22bet a shot.

Our 22bet grade: 9/10

betPawa

Unlike its rivals, betPawa has focused on only three core sports, which are football, tennis, and basketball. eSports, an iOS app, and a welcome bonus are lacking on the platform, while the cash out feature, live wagering, and an app for Android-based gadgets are present in great condition. If those available sports meet all of your interests, betPawa can be a good option, but definitely not the best one.

Our betPawa grade: 5/10

BetKing

Established a while ago in Nigeria, BetKing has expanded its presence to many African countries, including Kenya. This sportsbook has a large playerbase of loyal punters since the company opens new land shops, community centers, and forms local customer service teams. In addition to that, sports coverage surprises with its large selection, and the only fly in the ointment is the absence of the cash-out feature and the application for Apple gadgets.

Our BetKing grade: 8/10

OdiBets

If you prefer placing wagers exclusively on soccer without being distracted by numerous offers, banners, and buttons, OdiBets will serve you well. Despite the fact that the company covers only one sport and has one of the simplest web designs, it has everything it takes to guarantee a spectacular experience. The welcome bonus, the cash-out feature, and in-game wagering are part of the exhaustive list of OdiBet’s promotions. And when it comes to creative and original perks, this bookmaker has everything to blow your mind.

Our OdiBets grade: 5/10

SportyBet

Yet another international representative of the gambling industry, SportyBet, provides the possibility to place wagers on eSports and on a huge variety of traditional sporting events. The bookie has its own application for Android, provides a generous welcome bonus and the ability to use a cash-out and place wagers on events that have already begun.

Our SportyBet grade: 7/10

Melbet

This bookmaker operates for a while and never stops improving its quality. The recently updated platform has everything to satisfy even an avid punter. Melbet offers a huge selection of sports, betting markets, and competitive odds. Both iOS and Android applications are absolutely free to obtain and use. And numerous promos and perks, such as welcome bonus and the cash-out, will advance your experience to a new level.

Our Melbet grade: 9/10

KwikBet

Not so popular, but yet quite a functional wagering platform KwikBet slowly but surely gains recognition and increases its coverage. Just like any other decent bookmaker, the company has a large selection of sports, has its own Android app, and lures newcomers in with the help of a welcome bonus and the possibility to make cash-outs before play is over. You aren’t forced to fussily place stakes before the match is locked, since all matches are open for betting until the last whistle.

Our KwikBet grade: 8/10

BetLion

Another company in a list with a tiny sports selection. Just like OdiBets and betPawa with their modest sports coverage, BetLion has focused on four sports: soccer, tennis, handball, and basketball. These disciplines are greatly complemented by the large number of bet types available for any given match. You will be able to download the Android application and take advantage of the cash-out feature. Sadly, BetLion has not provided a welcome bonus, live streaming, or an iOS application. But for a small and reliable betting company, the availability of these services is rare, so it’s better not to focus on them if you are looking for a simple and stable wagering experience with no tricks.

Our BetLion grade: 6/10

Bongobongo

Humble Kenyan betting platform Bongobongo seems to be only at the initial stage of its development. The website’s design and structure are way too outdated, but nevertheless, you can place wagers on a medium selection of sports there. Betting markets seem to be decent and complementary to each discipline. Bongobongo released its own Android mobile application, and an in-game betting function has been successfully implemented on it. Unfortunately, that is it when it comes to advantages and perks, since the bookie has no welcome bonus, no cash-out, no live streaming, and no iOS version of the app. You must be a great fan of Bongobongo if you give it a try, considering all the options in the rating. At least the company has a license, meaning you can seek help from the local regulator in the event of any trouble.

Our Bongobongo grade: 3/10

PlayaBet

Design-wise, the bookie appears as an older brother of OdiBets, just with different coloring. But in terms of sports coverage, PlayaBet overtakes its competitors with 18 disciplines offered. The website is fully optimized to be used as the main access to the betting. With this in mind, there were no applications released yet. Cash-out and live wagering are the only perks available for PlayaBet users.

Our PlayaBet grade: 5/10

Betika

This bookmaker provides stable and secure services that can be described as strong average. Sports selection covers almost every popular sporting discipline. Betting markets are changing from original and creative for soccer to boring and predictable for tennis. Fans of eSports will definitely be disappointed due to the absence of tournaments for video games. A good point here is that Betika is among those sportsbooks that have both Android and iOS versions. Cash-Out and in-game wagers will make your betting experience more pleasant, whereas the lack of the welcome bonus may make you reconsider your choice.

Our Betika grade: 6/10

Sahara Games

Another Kenyan bookmaking company that proves simplicity can co-exist with quality. Although Sahara Games has no mobile application, the website itself is well-optimized for usage on gadgets with small screens, and additionally, you can switch between the main version, lite version, and mobile lite version. Sports are represented pretty well, and you are not forced to only place bets before the game begins, meaning in-game wagering is available along with the cash-out feature. eSports are also not an option on Sahara Games, but the welcome bonus and occasional promos can make a little bit up for that.

Our Sahara Games grade: 4/10

MozzartBet

A decent sports wagering platform with original and catchy branding, MozzartBet, is known for its quality and excellent services. The bookie offers an opportunity to place wagers only on 10 sports, such as soccer, basketball, tennis, darts, and some more. Some eSports disciplines like Dota 2 and Counter Strike are also available for punters who have an interest in video games. Betting markets seem to be quite diverse and creative. MozzartBet is among those sportsbooks that own both the Android and iOS applications. The only thing that could potentially bother you is the lack of a welcome bonus, but overall quality is definitely at a high level.

Our MozzartBet grade: 6/10

BetWinner

Many Kenyans have chosen BetWinner as their main platform for sports betting and occasional play in online casinos. The registration process is easy and quick, mobile applications are released for both Apple and Android gadgets, and all imaginable additional features are there. You can take great advantage of the lavish welcome bonus, the cash-out feature, in-game betting, and many more promos. Overall, Betwinner has everything it takes to please anyone who enjoys gambling.

Our BetWinner grade: 10/10

JamboBet

Jambo might not be the most famous bookmaker in Kenya, but in terms of sports coverage and betting markets’ selection, the company stands in line with all international sportsbooks. You can even bet on non-sporting events such as presidential elections in the United States and Brazil. Promotions are represented fairly well, with various options to benefit from. Unfortunately for punters who prefer betting on the phone, JamboBet has no application, but the website can be switched to the lite mobile version when you visit it with the help of mobile browsers. The design appears to be quite simple and yet attractive without being too flashy or overloaded with banners. Hopefully, the company will develop apps along the way in the near future, but even now, it’s a pretty good option for wagering on sports.

Our JamboBet grade: 6/10

What Payment Methods Are Accepted on Kenyan Betting Sites?

Payment options should always be checked prior to making the final decision because it’s the point where everything can get tricky. Some sportsbooks accept every payment method, while others can accept only one. If you are limited to one specific e-wallet or bank card, make sure you are allowed to use it on the platform.

These are the most commonly offered payment methods:

• Bank Cards
• E-wallets like Perfect Money, MoneyGO, and Scrill
• Online Banking like M-Pesa, ecoPayz, Neteller, and Payeer
• Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, and Dogecoin
• E-vouchers like MoneyGO Voucher, Neosurf, and PurplePay
• Cash in land shops and in local offices

All of the abovementioned options are widely popular in Kenya. Moreover, they are absolutely safe to use. If you have several options in your pocket, it’s better to check the fees and limits, and select the most beneficial one. Another side factor would be quickness. Typically, online banking and e-wallets are known to be the most demanded in the region.

What is the Best Bet to Win on a Betting Site?

To be completely honest with you, there’s no magical stuff like “the best bet” or “always winning bet”. But in certain scenarios and under certain angles, some bets could be potentially more beneficial than others. For instance, if you’re new to sports wagering, it’s much safer to place straight bets on the simple outcome rather than set up an accumulator with five legs in your first week.

Speaking generally, some small factors can also increase the “quality” of your bet. First and foremost, any bet is always better when you place it on the platform with high odds. Simply put, odds are the chances of a certain outcome to come true, added to the margin of the sportsbook. The second factor would be an appropriate betting market selected based on your knowledge and prediction. Various types of bets are often offered at the same time, but by picking the one you entirely understand, you increase the chance of success. And last but not least, the bookmaking company itself. The “quality” of the bet will be significantly higher if you are wagering on a reputable and time-tested bookmaking platform.

Betting Markets Available to Kenyan Players

Betting markets mainly determine how entertaining it would be for you to bet on a certain sportsbook. The entire overview cast of bookies has the most common and simple types of bets, while some have special and original ones compared to the rest. Here’s a pivot table with the bet types available in Kenya:

This is an excellent representation of what you can expect when you’d like to place bets on soccer. The same logic in terms of creativity applies to every other sports category.

Betting Rules in Kenya

• Only punters aged 18 or older are allowed to partake in sports betting.
• Bets can only be placed with deposited funds.
• Bookmaking companies are banned from providing financial credits to their users.
• All winnings are subject to taxation in favor of the state treasury of Kenya.
• Bookmaking companies are obliged to keep the tax part of the winnings and redirect them to the relevant government agencies.
• All activities must comply with local state and country laws.
• In the event of offering online casino services, bookies are required to provide fairness by utilizing Random Number Generators.

How Do We Rate Active Sports Betting Sites in Kenya?

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many sportsbooks are there in Kenya?

There are over 70 valid licenses issued for bookmaking companies in Kenya, but only 18 of them seem to be operational.

• Which bookmakers are functioning in Kenya?

The exhaustive list of active bookies is available at the top of this page in the global overview table. Scroll a little bit up.

• What is the legal age for gambling in Kenya?

The legal age is 18.

• Which sportsbooks in Kenya have the highest odds?

Odds tend to change from time to time. Generally speaking, 1xbet, 22bet, and SportPesa have some of the highest odds.

• Can I sign up for an account on several platforms?

Without a doubt! And we would even recommend it. With several accounts, you have an exclusive opportunity to place wagers with the current highest odds from your bookmakers’ pool.

Conclusion

And this is it. Hopefully, our global overview of all betting sites in Kenya will come in handy when you are selecting a bookmaker for yourself. Each of the mentioned companies has its advantages and disadvantages, and our advice can help you pick the most suitable one for you. May fortune be on your side on this challenging but entertaining journey into the world of gambling!