April 30, 2025 – Nairobi, Kenya: The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has taken a firm stance against unauthorized online gambling, announcing that 58 unlicensed betting websites have been shut down immediately and their Safaricom Pay Bill numbers suspended.
This sweeping crackdown follows growing public complaints about deceptive platforms exploiting users through fake payouts, irregular deposits, and predatory practices, especially through games like Aviator and crash betting apps.
“These sites have been found to defraud bettors by accepting deposits via mobile money services like Pay Bill and STK push, only to withhold winnings,” BCLB said in a public statement.
BCLB Moves to Protect Consumers and Enforce Gaming Standards
The crackdown is the latest development in a nationwide push to clean up Kenya’s betting landscape, which has seen a surge in unregulated online operators targeting young and vulnerable players.
The BCLB confirmed that:
- The affected platforms violated Kenya’s gaming regulations
- Some operators lacked valid licenses and exploited digital loopholes
- Safaricom PLC has been directed to suspend Pay Bill numbers tied to the 58 sites
Full List of Suspended and Unauthorized Betting Sites
Some of the blocked platforms include:
- Aviator VIP, Crash KE, Pepea Pro, Plan Bet, Metabet, 1Win Kenya
- Pesa Pawa, Cheza Crash, Top Crash, Jet X, Jumbo Tickets
- Nimbo Crash, Fanika Bet, Casino Bonus, Kamata Bet, Peperusha
These platforms were actively collecting money from players via mobile payments while evading taxation, licensing, and content regulation.
📌 The full list of blocked sites is available on the official BCLB website.
Regulatory Support from KFCB and DCI
The crackdown comes days after the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) announced that all gambling ads must receive a filming license before being broadcast — a move designed to filter harmful content and promote responsible advertising.
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has promised to support BCLB in enforcing compliance. In a joint statement, the DCI said:
“We will take stern action against operators involved in illegal betting syndicates or running unauthorized platforms, both online and physical.”
BCLB Calls for Industry Reform and Renewal Compliance
The BCLB maintains a list of 221 licensed betting operators in Kenya, all of whom must renew their licenses by June 30, 2025. The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has reminded companies that:
- A valid KRA tax clearance certificate will be mandatory for license renewal
- Failure to comply may result in non-renewal or suspension
This reaffirms the government’s intent to link financial accountability with operational legitimacy in the gambling sector.
Background: Nationwide Ad Ban and Youth Gambling Concerns
This enforcement wave follows the 30-day suspension of all gambling advertisements, issued by BCLB in response to:
- Gambling being misrepresented as a wealth shortcut
- Advertisements airing during watershed hours, exposing minors
- Increasing youth addiction linked to crash games like Aviator
Consumer advocates have welcomed the government’s actions, citing growing concerns over mental health, financial losses, and youth exploitation in the digital betting space.
Final Thoughts
With the Kenya regulator shutting down 58 unlicensed betting sites, suspending Pay Bills, and mandating ad classification through KFCB, the government is sending a clear message: illegal and irresponsible gambling operations will not be tolerated.
As authorities continue to tighten regulatory oversight, both operators and consumers must adapt to a more transparent, accountable, and safer gambling environment in Kenya.
