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Sports betting company denies claims of illegal operation


By HILARY KIMUYU

Jambo Marketing, which runs sports betting company, Betway, has denied reports appearing in a section of the media that it is operating without the proper license as required by Kenyan laws.

In a statement posted on their official Facebook page, the company said: “Betway is a world leading international brand and has a valid license to operate interactive gambling in Kenya issued by the BCLB and we will continue to do so.”

This came after the Betting Control and Lincensing Board (BLCB) had warned mobile telecoms operators against supporting a gaming firm that is using a provisional license it was awarded to offer services.

“We wish to confirm that a notice has been issued to Jambo Marketing to cease to advertise for sports betting or other gaming activities not permitted under the Pilot Online Gaming Licence it was awarded,” read a BCLB letter signed by its chairman, Musila Wambua.

The statement by Betway Kenya on Facebook.
The statement by Betway Kenya on Facebook.

BCLB further accused Jambo Marketing of operating in breach of the authorisation it got restricting its activities to online gaming and moving into new areas such as mobile phone-based gaming where they don’t have a licence.

Betting companies are required to apply for a licence for the specific areas of operation and Jambo’s expansion beyond online gaming is seen as a violation of the licence.

Betway uses the mobile money transfer wallets from Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom’s Kenya Orange to link with end users.

Mr Wambua said Jambo’s provisional licence was for pilot purposes only and does not attract any licensing fees, making it illegal for the company to put it to commercial use.

Betway was licensed on July 1 this year to offer interactive gaming services at its offices located in Nairobi’s Utalii House. The licence expires on June 30 next year.