Betting firms in Kenya are having it rough following the ongoing crackdown and the real threat of kicking them out of the country on allegations of tax evasion amounting to billions by the government. One of the companies targeted in this crackdown is Dafabet whose license has not been renewed by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB)until it fulfills conditions set by the body.
When was Dafabet Founded
Dafabet was founded in Makati, Philippines on November 7, 2004 under the subsidiary of the privately owned company AsianBGE licensed by Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) and regulated by First Cagayan Leisure and Resorts (FCLRC). The company is the shirt sponsor of Sunderland and Burnley in the English Premier League, Blackburn Rovers in the English Championship and Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.
Dafabet Arrives In Kenya
The firm made its entry into the multi-billion lucrative Kenyan market dominated by Sportpesa and Betin in 2017.
Director of Retail and Regional operations Louis Watts told the media of their decision to set base in Kenya:
“We are looking to expand throughout the African continent and it was important that our first initiative was to establish a major presence in Kenya – a market that is mature and respected, is sport betting-savvy and continues to be a growing sports betting market, thus giving us a stable base from which to grow”
He went on to say:
“What is important to note is that Dafabet in Kenya is not a distant, offshore entity. From Day 1, Dafabet Kenya will be local. Its product offering will be tailored to the needs of Kenyan customers and most importantly the business will be run, operated and expanded and developed by Kenyan staff”
So who are Dafabet Shareholders?
Dafabet has three directors;
Louis watts and Cary Underwood who own 100,000 shares cumulatively. The third shareholder is Kenyan Lina Kantaria whose shares are zero.