A total of 27 betting and gaming companies will close shop if the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) continues with its hardline stance. According to a report appearing on the Daily Nation, the government is considering deporting bosses of some of the betting firms it declined to renew their licenses. The government will make a decision based on the recommendations of the National Security Advisory Committee on how to deal with the rogue betting firms as the Department of Immigration finalises the list of firms whose directors would be deported.
A source close to investigations told the same publication:
“The exercise is highly sensitive and divulging any information may result in the whole exercise crumbling. For now, all I can tell you is that the Presidency has given us the green light to deal with the industry of gambling that is now turning into rogue outfits”
Evading Taxes
The companies have been accused of failing to remit 20 per cent withholding tax on payouts. Revenue made by these betting firms-which are 90 percent owned by foreigners-are also wired to accounts abroad or companies registered in tax havens. Of the kes204 billion made by these firms in 2018, only kes4 billion was remitted as taxes.
Interior CS Fred Matiangi said that the “decision is going to shake the sector for sure, but we have reached a point where we have to save our country.”
Here are the companies whose licenses have not been renewed or have to fulfill certain conditions to continue operating.
Sportpesa
Betin
Betway
Betpawa
Premierbet Lucky 2 U
1X Bet
Mozzartbet
Dafa bet
World Sport Bet
Atari Gaming
Palmsbet
Betboss
Betyetu
Elitebet
Bungabet
Cysabet
Nestbet
Easybet
Kick Off
Millionaire Sports Bet
Kenya Sports Bet
Eastleighbet
If these was to happen, more than 5000 people will lose their jobs.
