Online betting in Kenya is heavily regulated by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB). All gambling firms we recommend here on Efirbet Kenya must obtain a license from the regulatory authority to operate in the country. We take a look at some of the licensed betting sites in Kenya.
- Licensed and reputable brand
- Excellent sportsbook
- Superb odds
- Various gaming options
- Decent odds
- Many sports to bet on
- Good sports bonus
- Many betting options on sports
- High odds
- Various markets and features
- Good betting odds
- Great layout
Which Authority Regulates Online Gambling in Kenya?
The Kenyan gambling scene is one of Africa’s most regulated markets. The regulatory authority responsible for all online gambling activities in the country is the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB).
The authority was established under the Betting, Lotteries, and Gaming Act of 1966. Historically, the board focused on physical casinos. However, the sporadic growth of mobile gambling led to a regulatory crackdown in 2019.
New laws introduced tighter tax compliance and mandatory local licensing to protect vulnerable citizens. Currently, BCLB oversees every aspect of the industry, from licensing betting companies in Kenya with annual permits to auditing advertising standards. Explore the full scope of their mandate on their official BCLB website.
Where to Find a List of licensed betting sites in Kenya?
All gambling establishments offering these services must be licensed by the BCLB in Kenya. The BCLB maintains a ‘whitelist’ of all approved platforms. View their current licensed betting sites in Kenya here to ensure you’re playing from a legitimate platform.
Why Choose the Licensed Betting Sites in Kenya?
Choosing from the list of betting companies in Kenya guarantees your money stays safe. There have been many cases of funds being withheld and fraudulent practices by unlicensed platforms. You can also take a look at our chart of the best bookmakers in Kenya for 2026.
Licensed betting sites in Kenya are legally required to comply with the current jurisdiction. These firms adhere to the Data Protection Act and pay the required excise duties and withholding taxes to the KRA.
This compliance protects players from an online site violating the terms and conditions of the licence. You have a legal right to lodge a formal complaint with the BCLB for arbitration.
Registered betting sites in Kenya must prove they have financial liquidity to pay out all winning bets, including massive jackpots. Offshore platforms might withhold winnings or funds.
However, BCLB-authorized companies are audited to ensure player funds are segregated from company operating costs. This ensures your balance is always available for immediate withdrawal.
All BCLB-authorized betting sites are regularly audited to ensure odds aren’t manipulated, and virtual games use certified Random Number Generators (RNGs) for random results.
Furthermore, these platforms must offer responsible gambling tools such as deposit limits or self-exclusion programs. This ensures gambling remains a form of entertainment rather than a financial burden.
Most online gambling platforms offer mobile payment options to their users. Therefore, licensed firms in Kenya offer secure, direct integration with M-Pesa and Airtel Money.
These encrypted gateways ensure that your financial data is never exposed to third parties. Moreover, these platforms follow strict cybersecurity protocols to prevent identity theft.
Under the Finance Act 2025, there’s a 5% tax on all betting, gaming, and withdrawals. The revenue generated from taxation goes towards funding the Sports, Arts, and Social Development Fund. Many established sites run multiple CSR projects, such as sponsorship deals, grassroots tournaments, and sports kits.
FAQ
Can Kenyans use a VPN to play at unlicensed betting sites?
Technically, yes. Kenyans use a VPN to play at unlicensed establishments without committing a crime. However, these platforms won’t offer the same level of security or consumer protection.
What does a bookmaker do?
A bookmaker acts as a market maker for sports events. Bookmakers calculate the probability of outcomes, set odds, and add a small profit margin.
What are the risks of being a bookmaker?
Common risks bookmakers face include liability, legal and regulatory, match-fixing, and bonus abuse & fraud. The licensed betting sites in Kenya, however, are ready to face all the potential problems.
Which bookmakers are owned by the same company?
Some brands look like sister sites, sharing the same parent company or technical platform. The ‘White Label’ Group has Betwinner, 22Bet, and 1xBet.
