Regulator asks SportPesa to reapply for licence in Kenya

The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has asked SportPesa to apply for a fresh sports betting licence in Kenya.

Kenya.- The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) has requested SportPesa to apply for a betting licence in Kenya. 

Peter Mbugi, acting board director, said they will scrutinise SportPesa’s application and consider to clear it to operate in the country. 

“Sportpesa should apply afresh for a licence,” said Mr Mbugi. “We will scrutinise the firm’s licence application after its made and make a decision on this just like we have done for many others.”

SportPesa in conflict with Kenya

In August, SportPesa announced that it has decided to cancel all of its sports sponsorship deals in the country. This comes after a dispute with the local government due to the approval of a new betting tax in the 2019-20 financial budget.

Football Kenya Federation President Nick Mwendwa urged the government to slow down on its stance on betting firms. He referred to the fight between the government and betting firms in regards to tax compliance.

Mwendwa said that the sport will be the biggest loser when it comes to this tax compliance fight. Mwendwa singled out SportPesa’s contribution of €39 million that supported different football entities. The president said he feared that this fight with the government would leave teams without this kind of financial support. SportPesa’s announcement ultimately led to the league without this contribution.