There’s never been a better time for Kenyans to take up sports betting. Due to tightened regulations and various brands from abroad, punters get all the benefits from this newly competitive market. However, as there are so many betting sites Kenya allows, searching for the right one can be painstaking. Fortunately for you, here at Trusted Bookmaker, we might have a way to make the process much smoother.
For years, our team has tested and played at the best betting sites Kenya has to offer. All that experience gave us the necessary tools to assess the sports betting situation in the country. With that in mind, we set off to create the ultimate guide to Kenyan bookmakers.
Don’t worry – we won’t just focus on the bookies themselves. This crash course will include everything from legality to the best sites for football, rugby, and other sports. Once you’re done reading, you’ll be able to enjoy your favourite pastime and have lots of fun while doing it.
Rank
Bookmaker
Bonus
Highlights
Rating
Bet £10 Get £30
Min deposit £10 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £10 • Min odds 1/2 (1.50) T&C Apply
What do we mean by best, exactly? Well, it’s certainly a broad term. What’s best for one punter quite possibly won’t suit another. And that’s completely fine – we all have different tastes and preferences. However, there are still some common aspects that everyone loves. But again, betting sites Kenya approves are different from those in other parts of the world.
That’s because Kenyan players look for very specific qualities in a bookmaker. After testing several dozen sites and surveying our Kenyan readers, we’ve come to a conclusion that a good bookie must:
That’s why our advice is to think about your priorities. Is there a sport you like to bet on in particular? Are exotic bets a big deal? What about daily promotions and free bets? All of this may or may not play a role in your decision-making process.
Even though our list has enough contenders to keep you entertained for weeks, our team encourages you to do your own research. Read the terms and conditions, check out online reviews, and more.
Of course, we’re here to give you a summary of an online bookmaker. However, you’ll feel better once you see for yourself. But before we define the exact things to look for in Kenya betting sites, it’s important to know what’s legal and what’s not.
In Africa as a whole, Kenya has been a pioneer and a true gambling Mecca. In 1966, the Parliament of Kenya passed the Betting, Lotteries, and Gaming Act. This accomplished two things. Firstly, the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) was formed. It was Kenya’s first gambling regulator.
Additionally, the Act also provided a legal framework for legal betting on horse racing and sports, as well as lotteries and casino games. In these 50+ years, the Act has remained the same, while the BCLB has maintained a firm grip over Kenya’s gambling market.
Today, it’s called the National Gaming Authority (NGA), controlled always by the Betting Lotteries and Gaming Act Cap 131.
It is the country’s foremost body for regulating gambling providers and enforcing the laws passed by the legislators. The Gaming Appeals Tribunal was formed to assist the NGA in resolving disputes and prosecuting wrongdoers. Its role is to settle disputes and is a place where bettors can seek justice.
Traditionally, bets were placed at betting shops, accessible to anyone over the age of 18. However, when smartphones and data packages became cheaper, dedicated apps took over.
For a long time, this was a legal grey area. Kenyan laws simply haven’t defined the term “online bookmakers” yet. It sounds strange, but lawmakers are usually years, if not decades, behind trends.
In 2011, there were rumblings that the Government wanted a piece of the lucrative online pie. And who could blame them? By this time, many betting sites were available in Kenya. Even domestic brands that had licenses for betting shops had their own sites. Foreign bookies also took an interest, so the market was competitive from the very start.
That’s why online sports betting became legal in 2013. Officially, every betting site had to obtain a license from the NGA. This, however, didn’t prevent brands like 22bet, BetWinner, and MelBet from setting up shop in Kenya. Since they are legal and licensed in various parts of the world, they can accept Kenyan punters.
Instead of creating a scene and asking for money and licensing fees, the Gov. agreed on a compromise. As a result, foreign betting companies can operate in Kenya, but they have to open a dedicated customer care centre. Up until recently, the only “officially” licensed bookie was state-owned BetKenya.com.
There was even a wave of licenses being handed. Everything changed in 2019, though. SportPesa, Betway, and a few other brands were ordered to shut down by Kenyan authorities. At the same time, lawmakers had drafted up an amendment to the Gambling Act of 1966. They wanted to increase the licensing fees from 100,000KSH to 1,000,000KSH and increase taxes.
This resulted in mostly negative reactions from both the bookies and the public. Thus, the Kenyan Government decided against passing the law in 2020. Today, the legal sports betting market is bigger than ever. When looking for the top Kenyan bookmakers, always look for a license before registering.
Some regulators even have a public registry of every licensed site. We recommend aiming for an NGA license, but any other reputable licensor would do. So be diligent, do your own research, and safe sports betting is all yours to enjoy.
When you think about it, Kenyan punters are amongst the luckiest in the world. It’s not every day that you see such an exciting combination of domestic and foreign brands. This level of competitiveness is great, but it also carries some pretty significant problems. Since there are so many betting sites in Kenya, it’s hard for punters to pick one.
And we don’t just mean rookies. Even some veteran players we’ve talked to pointed this problem out. Fortunately for you, there’s a pretty straightforward way of resolving this. To find the best online bookmakers in Kenya, you should grade each site based on a group of factors.
After doing quite a bit of research, the sheer number of boxes a bookie must check dawned on us. So, without any sort of filtering or half-hearted summaries, let’s learn how to choose an online sportsbook Kenya. We’ll do so by analysing the signs of a good bookie, starting off with.
It’s 2024, and there’s no reason why online bookmakers in Kenya shouldn’t be licensed. Fees are lower than ever in some jurisdictions, and there’s no shortage of ready-made betting platforms, as well. If a site is unlicensed despite the easiness of the whole process, don’t even enter their website. But why?
Licensed betting sites in Kenya have to abide by specific rules and regulations related to sports betting. That means they will have to answer for any scams or misplaced cash.
As we’ve already said, the best-case scenario is a bookmaker with an NGA license. If not, no worries. Many international sports betting brands have Kenya-specific websites. Some of them have even opened support centres in Nairobi.
HTTPS is mandatory nowadays in terms of security. Other than this standard, online bookmakers should also use SSL encryption and firewalls on all their servers. It’s the least they can do to make you feel at ease and protect your data.
Sure, a safe and licensed bookie is great, but they need to have content, too. When there are new Kenya betting sites on the market, you can see their betting markets to find out if they’re serious. If there are just a couple of basic half-time results and possible results, then you might want to look further.
The best bookmakers in Kenya should have at least 100 markets on a Premier League or Bundesliga game. This also relates to another category we’ll discuss – promos. The biggest events deserve their own promos. If a site understands this, there’s a high chance they have what it takes to fit your routine.
One of the ways we test Kenyan online betting sites is by following their markets and odds over 5+ weeks. That way, we can see how they treat particular bet types and niche sports. Consistency is what we’re looking for. Bookies that show up and deliver every weekend are the real deal.
Do you want to capitalise on big turnarounds or last-minute goals? Then you’re going to need Kenya live betting sites in your arsenal. Don’t get us wrong; pre-game betting provides stability and a nice foundation for safe paydays. But if you want to get in, profit, and get out, in-play betting is the sign of a good site.
In this format, the odds are dynamic and shift according to what happens. So you can start following the match ten minutes before the end and back the team that’s losing.
Pre-match odds may have predicted the outcome, but in-play odds are much higher because the team is already behind. That’s why the best bookies offer various exotic and prop markets on sporting events.
Ideally, the site should live stream big matches. That way, you can correctly anticipate what’s going to happen.
Betting sites are sources of entertainment, first and foremost. But, at the same time, you deserve to profit as much as possible. Differences in odds are small, but these cents can accumulate over time.
Remember – even the best bookies Kenya are here with profits in mind. Don’t fool yourself with non-financial features. In some cases, sure, you can make an exception. Licensing, reputation, markets, and banking options are all good reasons to ignore higher odds.
Use odds calculators and compare different bookies on our sight. It’s a good way to see who’s really walking the walk. Unfortunately, you’ll see many brands claiming that they have your best interest in mind but always fail to deliver on odds.
Again, money isn’t everything. Pros are going to weigh this particular aspect more heavily, while casuals might only consider it every now and then. Think about what you want and then decide. There’s no need to rush.
Nowadays, bookmakers in Kenya are only good if you can access the content anywhere. So always look for betting companies with apps on the Play Store and App Store. It might seem a bit too specific, but there’s a reason.
Both Apple and Google are known for their strict security when it comes to releasing apps. If a bookie manages to have their app published, then they could be legit. Of course, it’s never a 100% guarantee, but it’s a good sign nevertheless.
What does a good betting app for Kenyan players look like? It should be easy to use, and it mustn’t consume too much RAM. Some sites on our list have special versions for low network consumption, as well as Symbian or Windows Mobile Devices.
That’s how you know a site belongs on our list of the top Kenyan bookmakers. They must know what the punter here wants and deliver on their promises. iOS and Android have to be equally good!
Cashing out is a relatively new thing in the world of sports betting. What it does is give you a part of your potential winnings if you think you’re going to lose.
Let’s say your slip has an accumulator bet with five legs. The first there won, and you see that there’s no way Everton is going to equalise against Arsenal. So instead of accepting the loss, you can return your stake and even more.
Betting sites usually won’t reveal what are their cash out criteria. Some matches will have this option unlock, while others will not. We believe it might have something to do with volatility. If a surprise is in the cards, the bookie isn’t all that eager to pay everyone.
Therefore, be realistic. Not every match is cash out-eligible at Kenyan betting sites. However, the more, the merrier. This is also a good sign. A generous bookie is a successful bookie, and that’s good news for you, too.
Generosity is the name of the game, for the most part. It’s just that simple. Kenyan players have access to a lot of different options. So, you deserve the best of the best. Bonuses just so happen to be the best way for a bookie to show how they treat players.
A big welcome bonus is a nice start. Always be wary of wagering requirements and other bonus terms. Read the small print underneath every bonus banner. It’s the easiest way to avoid bad deals and scams.
The top bookmakers in Kenya have a habit of giving top-ups and odds boosters for special events. If you’re a new player, we recommend you build your capital this way.
Let’s say you know a lot about Serie A. Do your research and study the stats. Once you have your list of ideal marks, wait until there’s a Juve or Inter match with boosted odds. That’s when you focus.
No matter how successful you are, the bookie wins at the end of the day. There’s no way around it. People dedicate their whole lives to predicting sports outcomes, and not even supercomputers know what’s going to happen.
We’re saying that if you’re giving the bookie money, you should get something in return. Loyalty programs are the easiest way to get at least some benefits from losing.
The more you stake, the more points you get. But, of course, there are also other criteria involved. “Gaming” the system is also forbidden.
Don’t hesitate to ask support about the exact conditions of the VIP program. Kenyan bookmakers will be eager to advertise the reward scheme, which means you’ll get the info easily.
If you don’t plan on spending every day on the site, then disregard this aspect. For the best Champions League bookmakers, you might want to aim at specific promos.
We all tend to hate them, but payment methods are an important link in the online sports betting chain. Unfortunately, not everyone is fit to handle your money. That’s why top Kenyan bookies earned their status by accepting mPesa and other popular deposit methods.
Convenience is, obviously, a big factor. Why should you create a new account or learn a new system just to take a couple of punts?
Ideally, there should be at least a couple of platforms that you use regularly. That way, you can seamlessly make transactions without giving your information every now and then.
The best betting sites Kenya has to offer are usually transparent. You can see everything without having to log in or pledge any kind of money. If the bookie is unwilling to inform you before you register, then you can be sure it’s a fraud.
And last but not least, customer support. Before getting into anything else, you shouldn’t settle for bookies that don’t have dedicated Kenyan customer support. Swahili and English are a must when you run into trouble.
All the top Kenyan online bookmakers have around-the-clock support. Email and phone support are something most people are familiar with, but live chat is by far the best option. You just log in, type out your message, and an agent will respond in a matter of minutes.
Don’t be afraid to send them a message before creating a Kenyan betting account. If they know what they’re doing, it’s a good sign. When a betting site cares about its punters, then you can be sure that you’re in the right place!
Sure, popularity may not always reflect the quality of the end product. That may be true but look at it from a different perspective. More often than not, good things are popular. It holds merit in the online sports betting world more than anywhere. Bookies thrive as their player base does. If you have access to a lot of exotic markets and lower league content during big league droughts, chances are the bookie is respected precisely because of that. And because of that, you can also see lots of good reviews. Even though we always consult our readers and collaborations, reviews sites and forums are always a good place to start doing research. If many players have positive things to say, then it’s highly likely that the bookie is legit. But just to be sure, stick to our list of the best betting sites in Kenya. In it, you’ll find only legal bookies that have proven their worth time and time again. So first, take a look at our general list of the top Kenyan bookmarkers. Then, you can move on to specific sports. Good luck!
Football is the biggest and quite possibly most important section of every betting site. Since it dwarfs other sports in popularity, football often comes with a lot of markets. Now, it’s easy to get excited, but you should always know what you’re looking for.
100+ bet types is not an uncommon sight, especially when you factor in all the handicaps. That’s why you should always explore your options before making any sort of commitment. Your choice may also depend on which league you follow.
Let’s say you’re a big Premier League fan. The best option might be a sight that sponsors a PL team, or perhaps one that offers regular promos for big matches. Bundesliga and Ligue 1 have also become increasingly popular in recent years.
Oh, and let’s not forget about the odds. Sure, having hundreds of leagues and thousands of markets is great, but you should always aim for a profit. Our team always compares the odds before ranking football betting sites in Kenya.
Aside from the numbers, we also apply various other techniques to help us find the best bookie. Whether it’s props, weekly promos, or even statistical interfaces, we follow everything. So if you’re a football fan and want to bet like a pro, check these sites for size.
Rank
Bookmaker
Bonus
Highlights
Rating
Bet £10 Get £30
Min deposit £10 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £10 • Min odds 1/2 (1.50) T&C Apply
Rugby is by far the most underrated sport in the world. It’s certainly big in Africa, Oceania and the British Isle, but it deserves much more recognition than it currently gets. A big reason for that is its unpredictable nature, making it a fun sport to take punts on.
Which bet should you start with? Well, the over/under on points scored is a good start. Then, you can observe the statistical output of both teams. Then, just guess whether there’s going to be a lot of scoring or not.
The highest-scoring half is also a good one to try out. Depending on the weather and what’s at stake, teams play at different teams. For instance, if one team is much stronger than the other, you can expect them to take their foot off the gas and get the reserves in as soon as possible.
If it’s a rainy, grindy derby, the first half is mostly reserved for testing different setups and schemes. Expect both squads to turn it up a notch as crunch time nears. Whether it’s this or another market, we have you covered.
Check out our list of the best rugby betting sites Kenya has to offer. We’ve ranked them on their rugby promos and overall coverage. Enjoy!
Rank
Bookmaker
Bonus
Highlights
Rating
Bet £10 Get £30
Min deposit £10 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £10 • Min odds 1/2 (1.50) T&C Apply
If you’re an NBA fan, then you’re probably aware that this is one of the most exciting seasons we’ve had in recent years. With Harden and Ben Simmons switching teams, the already competitive Eastern Conference is even crazier than expected.
And you know what that means, right? It’s an ideal situation to make a profit. Even though everyone doubted the Sixers going into the season, they now have two MVP-caliber players to lead the way. With the Celtics and Raptors gaining momentum, there’s no telling what could happen.
Out West, things aren’t much tamer either. The Grizzlies are one team no one expected to vie for home-court advantage. Nevertheless, the Suns and Warriors are looking unstoppable. However, you shouldn’t count the Nuggets and Mavericks out just yet.
Barcelona and Real Madrid are dominating the EuroLeague, to no one surprise. And with a couple of international competitions coming out way in 2024, there will be no shortage of basketball to watch and bet on.
To help you enjoy the season properly, we’ve prepared a list of the best basketball betting sites in Kenya currently has. There’s a lot to unpack, so take your time and be sure to aim for the right match.
Rank
Bookmaker
Bonus
Highlights
Rating
Bet £10 Get £30
Min deposit £10 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £10 • Min odds 1/2 (1.50) T&C Apply
Online cricket betting is one of our favourite niches. Kenyans have always been crazy about good cricket. Fortunately for you, now is the best time to start or even try out some new competition formats.
This diversity is all thanks to T-20 cricket becoming the world’s favourite game type. With 20 overs per side, it’s by far the fastest and most digestible version of cricket. As a result, both experts and fans alike cite T-20 as the catalyst behind many new leagues being formed.
However, you can still try your luck at traditional test cricket matches. It’s your usual five-day format, with two innings per squad.
If you ask purists, it’s still the best form because it requires strategy, endurance, and technique. Sure, T-20 cricket and 50-overs may be fun, but tests will always be the wildest thing cricket has to offer.
As for Kenyan cricket betting sites, in particular, you can expect to see a lot. In recent months, we’ve noticed that more and more bookies are promoting Top Batsman and Most Sixes markets.
We’ve tested a bunch of different betting companies and compared their cricket offers. Some even offer live stream options, which is a feature we rate highly. Take a look at our list, pick a few favourites, and give them a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Rank
Bookmaker
Bonus
Highlights
Rating
Bet £10 Get £30
Min deposit £10 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £10 • Min odds 1/2 (1.50) T&C Apply
When will the Big Three era end? Nobody even knows anymore. With Djokovic pulling out and causing all sorts of controversy, Nadal had a nice chance to return to glory. Ashleigh Barty took home the crown on the women’s side, which rounded out a pretty exciting first Grand Slam of the year.
The best tennis betting sites Kenya hosts should let you bet on all of that and much more. Throughout our testing, we’ve noticed that the top bookies like to stand out by offering props and great futures.
Have a good hunch about someone winning the 2024 US Open? Why not take a punt and make use of those great odds. Live betting is also an important segment of tennis bookmakers in Kenya. Being able to follow odds changes by the second and using those windows opportunity is a great thing.
That’s why we took all of that into consideration. If you want to see who’s going to be the next in line for the throne, tennis betting is a great way to learn a lot about the game. With that in mind, we’ve hand-picked the top tennis betting sites Kenya.
Check out the sites’ bonuses and general offers, and make a decision. Every bookie we recommend is, of course, legal and legitimate, so all you have to do is choose. Good luck!
Rank
Bookmaker
Bonus
Highlights
Rating
Deposit £10 Get £40 Bonus
New Customers Only. 18+. BeGambleAware.org. Minimum deposit £10. 50x wagering requirement apply. Bonus will expire 30 days after opt-in. T&C Apply
Bet £10 and Get Two £15 Free Bets
New customers using Promo code H30 only, Min £10/€10 stake, min odds 1/2, free bets paid as 2 x £15/€15, free bets credited after settlement of first qualifying bet, free bets will expire 30 days after the qualifying bet is placed, payment method/player/country restrictions apply.T&C Apply
Deposit $10 and get 100% Bonus to 400$
UK new players only • Bonus will be granted in Tournament Tickets gradually over 7 days after the claim date • Each Tournament Ticket will expire 24 hours after it was granted • T&C Apply
Honestly, there are few things better than waiting for a knockout and a bet to go through at the same time. That’s why our Kenyan readers have been asking us to find out the best boxing betting sites in Kenya.
Since we know the sport is loved around the globe, the number of bookies didn’t surprise us at all. The first thing we looked at was competition coverage.
Do they offer punts on smaller belt fights? What about Olympic boxing or the AIBA World Boxing Championships? All of this affected our grades at the end of the day.
In addition, we looked at things such as the promoter, advanced stats features, tips, and other things you might not expect from a traditional bookmaker. Well, we’re happy to say that Kenyan boxing betting sites really came out and delivered.
Live betting and live streaming, like always, were also a big plus whenever we found these features. Kenyans are definitely a lucky group of punters. Global and domestic brands all have some interesting boxing-related promos.
If you want to know which site is the best of the best, our list below holds all the answers. Study it to see what’s the best place to bet on boxing in Kenya! Have fun and play smartly.
Rank
Bookmaker
Bonus
Highlights
Rating
Deposit £10 Get £40 Bonus
New Customers Only. 18+. BeGambleAware.org. Minimum deposit £10. 50x wagering requirement apply. Bonus will expire 30 days after opt-in. T&C Apply
Bet £10 and Get Two £15 Free Bets
New customers using Promo code H30 only, Min £10/€10 stake, min odds 1/2, free bets paid as 2 x £15/€15, free bets credited after settlement of first qualifying bet, free bets will expire 30 days after the qualifying bet is placed, payment method/player/country restrictions apply.T&C Apply
Deposit $10 and get 100% Bonus to 400$
UK new players only • Bonus will be granted in Tournament Tickets gradually over 7 days after the claim date • Each Tournament Ticket will expire 24 hours after it was granted • T&C Apply
Like we said several times in this guide - the term “best” has varying definitions, depending on who you’re asking. A beginner will tell you they’re looking for good tutorials. At the same time, high-rollers prioritise high deposit limits over other, more casual features. But you’ve also noticed that we have many sites ranked in “best” categories. So, you’re probably wondering why should you play at the top online bookmakers in Kenya, right? Well, the answer is quite easy. And it all comes down to just several reasons:
So, the situation concerning betting sites in Kenya is overall a good one. The Government has decided to take it a bit easy on online bookmakers, which means we can see more stability in the future. In addition, there’s a nice mix of international bookies and domestic brands, all vying for a chunk of Kenya’s booming population.
The best online bookmakers Kenya are all licensed and reputable. You can also expect each bookie to have its own niche, depending on what you’re looking for. Even though the amount of options is confusing at times, there’s something for everyone.
We hope our guide help you make the right pick and bet on your favourite teams and athletes. If you have any sort of questions, comments, or suggestions, feel free to share your thoughts with us. Here at trustedbookmaker.com we’re always listening because that’s what helps us become better at what we do.
Yes, sports betting is completely legal in Kenya. Generally, betting sites and online casinos are regulated by the National Gaming Authority, aka the NGA. Technically, offshore bookies are allowed to accept Kenyan customers, but you should always be careful. Make sure the site is registered and legit.
Our team has compiled several lists of the best betting sites Kenya. You can find a general list, followed by specific recommendations for football, rugby, basketball, etc. So sit down, think about what you want, and find your ideal match.
Of course. The best Kenyan betting sites always offer a welcome bonus for new customers. It usually involves making a simple deposit and receiving bonus money or free bets in return. Before you accept anything, study the terms and conditions of each and every deal.
The top Kenyan online bookmakers offer everything sites in other parts of the world do. You have access to a variety of features, including cash-out, bet builders, welcome bonuses, and a collection of high odds. There are many competing brands out there, so be careful who you choose in the end.
As long as they’re registered with the NGA or a regulator in another country, you’re good to go. Many of these licensors have a public registry. Search for the bookie’s name to see if they’re lying about having a license or not.
Author
Nick Griffin
Last Updated:
Last Updated:
