Following rumours that betting giant, SportPesa has resumed its operations in the country, netizens, more so betting enthusiasts were stunned and quick to act on the news.
Curious netizens rushed to deposit money into their accounts but their attempts futile due to regulatory restrictions . However, when the firm was asked when it would resume operations in the Kenyan market after it emerged out that they are in their final stages ,here’s what they had to say :
We are hopeful to resume operations in Kenya. SportPesa re-applied for a license from the BCLB which would allow us to resume normal operations. We shall let you know on any new development. Thank you for your patience and continued support. We do not have a specific time frame……..keep it SportPesa
Here are some of the reactions ;
Sportpesa are back in business. pic.twitter.com/wMWovvUQOY
— Nebs (@ItsKubasu) April 15, 2020
I deposited something today. pic.twitter.com/QNGjKdw026
— Kiptangus Ruto. (@Ptangus_Ruto) April 15, 2020
Naona sportpesa is back. Wacha watu warudi kazi
— JOBU (@Joboyengo) April 15, 2020
ALSO: List of 22 Betting Companies Whose Paybill Numbers Have Been Closed
In July last year, gamblers were left clutching at straws following the wave of closure of sports betting firms that failed to comply with taxation and licensing rules.
Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) suspended 27 sports betting operators due to accusations of unpaid taxes.KRA demanded Sh 14.9 billion from SportPesa’s parent company Pevans East Africa Limited.
The government also suspended the affected firms digital payment channels.
In February 2020, Sportpesa CEO Â Ronald Karauri revealed that they had submitted their application to BCLB some months ago and are still waiting for feedback.
However, in an interview with a local media house, BCLB CEO Peter Mbugi said that Sportpesa’s application was pending because of a new requirement that all betting firms be subjected to security clearance but Karuri refuted the allegations.
Firms seeking new licenses are required to:
- Attach to their application details of registration including a CR12 with information of its owners and shareholders.
- Have a business proposal stating what they are planning to do, the systems and applications they intend to use and the premises.
- Provide details of the banks they will work with, whether employees meet the requirement for local content and their source of money.
