BCLB summons VetLab Sports Club captain over claims of illegal betting
If Karuga is found liable and culpable, he could lose his membership license at worst or at best be suspended
VetLab Sports Club captain Eric Karuga is a man on the spot following complaints that he was involved in multiple betting activities that were deemed illegal.
The golfer has now been summoned by Betting Control Licensing Board (BCLB) to state his case. A letter seen by Informer Media Group appeared to suggest that Karuga in multiple days took part in activity not sanctioned by the Board and, therefore, should be answerable in what could be consequential.
It is not immediately clear if the accused person would attend the hearing scheduled for tomorrow or have representation in the mid-morning meeting at BCLB offices along 1st Ngong Avenue. Betting is reportedly forbidden in members clubs and could invite a fine or even a ban from the facility.
The letter directed to Karuga copied to the Vetlab Sports Club Chairman read in part; “The Betting Control & Licensing Board (BCLB) is in receipt of complaint against you for conducting illegal betting activities on Tuesdays, Fridays and public holidays on the premises of Vetlab Sports Club without the requisite license or authorization from the Board.”
“The Board is expressly mandated vide Betting, Lotteries and Gaming Act Cap 131, Laws of Kenya to control, license and regulate different forms of gaming/gambling in the country.”
“It is on this background that the Board invites you to attend its Complaints Handling Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at our offices; ACK Annex 1st Ngong Avenue, 7th Floor at 10:30am to shed light/respond to the complaint,” wrote Fredrick Mbasi, a member of the BCLB.
If Karuga is found liable and culpable, he could lose his membership license at worst or at best be suspended. The complaint which was raised almost two weeks ago raises questions on integrity especially on sports and participants engaged in betting.
The last official engagement for Karuga was leading Vetlab Sports Club during the Easter holiday Tannahil Cup. He has been a resident golfer and member for the club for years. He regularly competes in domestic competitions including KCB East Africa Golf Tour and Chairman’s Cup which he has previously won in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
