SportPesa to extend operations in the continent

After several complaints over the 35 percent tax hike in Kenya, the sports betting firm wants to expand the business in Uganda.

Uganda.- Chief Executive Officer of the sports betting firm SportPesa, Ronald Karauri, revealed that the company will meet the President of Uganda Yoweri Musevi in order to expand the firm in other African countries.

The president sent last week a government delegation led by Youth minister Nakiwala Kiyingi to meet with the CEO. The minister said that special incentives would be offered to the firm, as local press revealed. Earlier this week, it was announced that SportPesa decided to move to court the tax imposed to gambling firms’ revenues, signed by President Kenyatta in mid-June.

The biggest betting firm in Kenya had already revealed the cancellation of its sponsorship of sports bodies in the country, and it was also rumored that the company would cease its operation altogether, but Karauri denied the rumors. Local operators believe that no business can survive heavy taxation on revenue and not profit.

Uganda has also invited Karauri to help develop a regulatory framework for the gaming industry in the country. “Just like the teething problems we have in Kenya, Uganda also have an influx of illegal gaming players. We are more than ready to help the Ugandan government streamline the sector, now that they have officially invited us for a series of meetings in Kampala,” said the CEO.