Fifty-eight betting websites have been flagged by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) over illegal operations within the Kenyan internet domain.
In a letter to Communications Authority of Kenya Director General David Mugonyi, which copied to the telecommunication giant Safaricom, BCLB director Peter Mbugi stated that the 58 apps have been scamming Kenyans by withholding payouts while they accept deposits.
Mbugi noted that investigations have revealed that the websites blatantly disregard the regulations set by BCLB.
“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. 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,” he said in the letter.
He demanded that CA shut the websites as he directed Safaricom to suspend their pay bills.
“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,” he ordered.
Among the fifty-eight scam sites are Cheza Crash, Skai Crash, Crash KE, Simple Crash, Aviator VIP, Aviator Pesa, Aviator KE, and Luckybet KE. Also flagged are Nimbo Crash, Mita Sita, Saf Crash, Vuma Bet, Next Papi, Chachisha, Bet 222, Uvoset Games, Box Crash, Win KSH, Aviator, and Pesa Chap. Pawa Crash, Pesa Pawa, Pepea Pro, Bingo Crash, and 1Win Kenya.
Casino Bonus, Pata Mia, Play Mania, Jet X, and Peperusha appeared on the list alongside Cheza Aviator, Cheza Game, Aviator 254, Nimble Bet, Fanika Bet, Inuka Bet, Kamata Bet, Bet Ngori, Shinda Crash, Jumbo Tickets, Q Bet, Top Crash, Plan Bet, Game Mapro, Metabet, Win Sasa, Aviator Game, and Maybets were also named.
The directive also targeted Box Crash, another entry for Pawa Crash, Pepea Crash, Pepea, Pesa Crash, and Win. Finally, Win KSH and Pesa Spin rounded off the list of unauthorized websites.
