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International Betting Sites
As an experienced reviewer of global gambling platforms, I've curated this expert guide to the best international betting sites in Kenya. Each platform featured here has been thoroughly vetted for licensing, security, and payout reliability, ensuring that Kenyan players can access trustworthy sites with complete confidence. This free, research-based list highlights casinos and sportsbooks that meet strict standards for fair play, fast payouts and user-friendly experiences, helping punters make informed choices backed by real expertise.
Licensed and Trusted International Betting Platforms
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Top International Betting Sites in Kenya
Let's take a closer look at Kenya's most popular international betting platforms that have gained a strong presence in the market. These sites offer unique features, competitive bonuses and various betting options tailored for Kenyan punters.
1. 22Bet
22Bet, a 6 year old platform, has quickly become one of Kenya's most popular international betting sites. New users receive a generous 100% bonus on first deposits up to KES 19,000. The Russian-origin bookmaker began operations in Kenya in 2018, and operates under a valid BCLB license.
22Bet shines with its large sportsbook that covers over 50 different sports. You'll find competitive odds and easy payment options like M-Pesa and Airtel Money. The platform keeps things budget-friendly with minimum deposits of just 5 KES for M-Pesa and 10 KES for Airtel.
The mobile experience is what makes 22Bet special. You get dedicated apps for both Android and iOS devices that work smoothly on the go. The Cash Out feature allows you to settle your bet before the game ends if you change your mind.
2. Betwinner
Betwinner came to Kenya in 2018 and has grown into a major player. New users can get a 100% welcome bonus up to 15,000 KES. Some sources mention bonuses up to 19,500 KES if you use the promo code "KEBETGOAL".
The platform features in-depth sports coverage - offering over 40 sports from football to tennis, basketball and niche options such as horse racing. Soccer fans have access to all major leagues including EPL, La Liga, Bundesliga and Serie A.
Betwinner processes withdrawals quickly, usually within 15 minutes. You can use both M-Pesa and Airtel Money, starting with deposits as low as 100 KES. Their mobile apps work on Android and iOS devices, making betting easy for tech-savvy users.
3. Melbet
Melbet, an 11 year old global platform, brought their expertise to Kenya after launching globally in 2012. They offer an impressive welcome bonus of 200% on first deposits, which could triple your starting amount. The bookmaker holds a BCLB license number BK0000196.
Melbet stands out with over 1,500 odds and more than 40 sports to bet on. Their live betting section really shines with 150-200 events daily, even on slower days. Popular sports give you 500-700 markets, while less popular sports still offer 50-100 options.
Mobile users get a lightweight version of the main site and dedicated apps for Android and iOS. Bets start at 25 KES and you can win up to 12,000,000 KES per bet.
4. Mozzartbet
The platform offers a Mega Jackpot of KES 200 million, one of the largest jackpots in Kenya. They use their own betting software which gives users a unique experience compared to other sites.
Mozzartbet supports Kenyan communities and sports by sponsoring FKF Premier League team Kakamega Homeboyz FC. Their mobile app handles live streaming well, perfect for in-play betting fans.
5. 1xBet
1xBet may be newer to Kenya but they have made quite an impact. They offer a huge welcome bonus of 200% up to 44,000 KES. The site is the 18th most popular in Kenya with 5.5 million visits in October 2023.
You can bet on over 60 sports and they guarantee payouts on all winning bets. 1xBet focuses on live betting, allowing you to place bets while the action is happening.
The platform offers apps for Android and iOS devices. Kenyan users can easily deposit and withdraw using M-Pesa and Airtel Money.
Comparison of Welcome Bonuses:
| Betting Site | Welcome Bonus | Min. Deposit | Payment Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22Bet | 100% up to 19,000 KES | 5 KES | M-Pesa, Airtel |
| Betwinner | 100% up to 15,000 KES | 100 KES | M-Pesa, Airtel |
| Melbet | 200% (amount varies) | 25 KES | M-Pesa, Airtel |
| Mozzartbet | 50% up to 2,500 KES | 100 KES | M-Pesa |
| 1xBet | 200% up to 44,000 KES | 112 KES | M-Pesa, Airtel |
Comparison of Features and Bonuses
betting sites in Kenya offer different features and bonuses that you should know about before making your choice. I have researched the top platforms to help you find one that suits your betting style and priorities.
Welcome bonus amounts
Your first interaction with a betting site usually starts with a welcome bonus, and Kenyan bookmakers are competing hard to win you over. 1xBet follows with a 200% bonus up to 20,000 KES and 22Bet gives you a 100% match up to 19,000 KES.
Betwinner's package comes with a 100% bonus up to 15,000 KES, which is good but not as big as others. Mozzartbet goes a unique way by giving a 50% free bet bonus up to 2,500 KES plus 50 free spins on their Aviator game. This mix of sports and casino rewards appeals to many players.
Bonus Comparison Table:
| Betting Site | Welcome Bonus | Bonus Type | Expiry Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1xBet | 200% up to 20,000 KES | Deposit Bonus | Not specified |
| 22Bet | 100% up to 19,000 KES | Deposit Bonus | 7 days |
| Betwinner | 100% up to 15,000 KES | Deposit Bonus | 30 days |
| MozzartBet | 50% up to 2,500 KES + 50 Free Spins | Free Bets | 7 days |
| Melbet | 100% up to 26,000 KES (with promo code “OPABET”) | Deposit Bonus | 30 days |
Minimum deposit requirements
Kenyan punters need easy access to betting platforms, especially new users trying multiple sites. 22Bet makes it easy with low minimum deposits - just 5 KES on M-Pesa and 10 KES on Airtel. Mozzartbet and Betwinner require a minimum deposit of 100 KES, while 1xBet starts at 112 KES.
Small platforms like Chezacash allow you to bet with as little as 1 KES. They may not have all the features of the bigger sites, but they work well for a tight budget.
Betting features: live betting, bet builder, odds boost
Today's betting is all about personalization and instant action. Bet builders are no longer optional - 22Bet, Betwinner and 1xBet all offer this feature. Mozzartbet doesn't have bet builders yet, but offers odds boosts instead.
The quality of live betting varies from site to site. 1xBet and Betwinner shine with their live streaming options. You'll often find odds-boosting promotions at Betwinner and 22Bet, giving you better prices on popular events.
Recent data shows that Bet Builder usage has grown to 21% of all pre-match bets in the 2024/25 Premier League season, up from 13% last year. This growth explains why most sites are now focusing on this feature.
Mobile app availability
mobile betting dominates the market with 8 out of 10 sports bets placed on mobile phones. 22Bet's app ranks high on the App Store with 4.6 stars, and 1xBet's app ranks even higher with 4.7 stars.
Betwinner's apps work on both Android and iOS, although Android users will need to download the APK file directly. Mozzartbet focuses on live betting in their iOS and Android apps.
Casino and jackpot options
Casino games add extra excitement to sports betting sites. Betwinner leads the way with over 4,000 casino games and the popular Aviator Crash game. 1xBet offers over 500 casino games.
Jackpot players love Mozzartbet's multiple options. SportPesa holds Kenya's biggest prize with their Mega Jackpot Pro 17, worth 412,961,279 KES.
These casino features work great with sports betting, giving you more ways to use your bonuses and enjoy different types of games.
M-Pesa and Airtel Money Compatibility
Mobile money services have transformed the way Kenyans place bets on international betting sites. M-Pesa and Airtel Money serve as important payment gateways for millions of punters who want fast and secure transactions without a bank account.
How to deposit using M-Pesa
Depositing money into your account with M-Pesa takes just a few minutes. The funds appear instantly in your betting account. Here's what I do:
- Go to the M-Pesa menu on your phone (via your SMS toolkit)
- Select "Lipa na M-Pesa" (Pay with M-Pesa)
- Select the "Pay Bill" option
- Enter the bookmaker's paybill number
- Enter your username as the account number
- Enter the amount you want to deposit
- Confirm with your M-Pesa PIN;
New users need an active Safaricom line with an M-Pesa account. You can visit any M-Pesa agent with your National ID to get started. Fill in the verification forms and wait for activation instructions via SMS.
Withdrawal process and timelines
Receiving your winnings via Mobile Money is just as fast. First, register your phone number in your betting account settings. This protects you and the operator from fraud.
To get my money out, I:
- Log in to my betting account and go to "Withdrawal"
- Select M-Pesa/Airtel Money as my preferred method
- Enter the withdrawal amount
- Confirm with the verification code sent to my phone;
Most international betting sites process M-Pesa withdrawals instantly. During peak hours, some transfers can take up to 15 minutes. Betwinner stands out by processing withdrawals within 15 minutes.
Paybill numbers for top sites
The right paybill number makes all the difference for successful deposits. Here's what I found after testing different platforms:
| Betting Site | M-Pesa Paybill Number | Airtel Paybill | Min. Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22Bet | 895599 | 22BET | 5 KES |
| Betwinner | 7011780 | Available | Varies by casino |
| 1xBet | Not specified | Available | 112KES |
These numbers might change with regulatory updates, so double-check before making deposits.
Transaction fees and limits
M-Pesa and Airtel charge small fees based on the amount transferred. Deposits between 101-500 KES cost 5-7 KES in fees. For amounts between 501-1,000 KES, you'll pay 10-13 KES.
M-Pesa allows you to transfer up to 250,000 KES per transaction. Minimum deposits vary by platform - 22Bet starts at 5 KES, while Betwinner accepts as little as 1 KES.
Kenyans now see mobile money as their go-to method for betting sites. This popularity comes from several benefits:
- Instant deposits and withdrawals
- No bank account required
- Works offline without internet
- Costs less than bank transfers
- Works with all major international bookmakers;
The compatibility of M-Pesa and Airtel Money with international betting platforms creates an exceptional betting experience that meets the needs of Kenyan punters.
Licensing and Legal Status in Kenya
Betting in Kenya is regulated by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya (formerly the Betting Control and Licensing Board or BCLB). This structure ensures that betting sites adhere to high standards and protects Kenyan players from exploitation.
BCLB licensing requirements
Betting companies must meet several strict requirements to operate legally in Kenya. Companies must have minimum capital reserves of more than 50 million Kenyan shillings and establish physical offices within Kenya's borders. The application requires these documents:
- Completed Application Form (Form 1A)
- Detailed Business Concept and Business Plan
- Certificate of Incorporation
- KRA PIN Certificate and Tax Compliance Certificate
- Certificate of Good Conduct for all company directors;
The financial commitment is considerable. Non-refundable fees include an application fee of KES 10,000 and investigation fees ranging from KES 50,000 (local directors) to KES 500,000 (foreign directors). Additional licensing fees add up to several hundred thousand shillings.
Licensed platforms must use advanced security measures to protect user data and follow clear financial reporting standards. They must create responsible gaming programs that include deposit limits and self-exclusion options.
International licenses (Curacao, Malta, etc.)
Many betting sites in Kenya have both local and international licenses, which adds an extra layer of consumer protection. The two main international licensing jurisdictions are
| Feature | Malta License | Curacao License |
|---|---|---|
| Reputation | Highly respected, EU-recognized | Easier to get, less stringent |
| Cost | Higher fees and taxation | Lower fees, favorable 2% tax rate |
| Processing time | Longer, more complex | Relatively quick |
| Market access | European markets, including UK | Global access |
| Consumer protection | Complete dispute resolution | Less robust player protections |
Malta offers different licenses based on the type of gaming. Curacao offers a single license for all gaming activities. Both jurisdictions ensure that operators meet simple security and fairness standards.
How to verify a site's license
You should verify a betting platform's licensing status before depositing money. Here's how:
- Check the site's footer for license information and regulatory body details
- Verify the license number against the BCLB's official "Licensed Operators" page
- Confirm the company name matches the website's operator information
- Look for inconsistencies between trading names and registered company names
The official BCLB website has public lists of licensed operators. Remember, No BCLB license means the operation is not legal in Kenya.
Risks of using unlicensed sites
The risks became clear in April 2025, when the BCLB uncovered 58 betting websites operating illegally in Kenya. These unauthorized sites often take money through mobile payments but don't pay out winnings, leaving users with empty pockets.
Without a BCLB license, you lose important consumer protections. One betting expert said, "If you bet with unlicensed bookmakers, you are effectively on your own. You won't get help from the Kenyan authorities if you have problems with unlicensed sites, even if they are licensed in Curacao or Malta.
Using unlicensed platforms is risky because you are sharing sensitive personal and banking information with operators who may not be protecting your data properly. This puts you at risk for data theft and fraud.
Tax Implications for Kenyan Bettors
Taxes play a crucial role in the Kenyan betting world. My experience as a regular bettor has taught me that tax rules often determine the real value you get from international betting sites. This knowledge helps bettors maximize their returns and avoid surprises.
How local sites handle tax
Local betting platforms take care of two main taxes automatically. The operators take 20% withholding tax directly from your winnings. To give an example, if you win KES 50,000, you will keep KES 40,000, while KES 10,000 will go to the KRA. Bookmakers also pay a 15% gaming tax on their gross revenues. Players don't pay this tax directly, but it affects the odds they see.
The government recently changed the excise tax from 15% to 5%. The point of tax collection has shifted from bet placement to money transfers between mobile wallets and betting accounts.
Do international sites deduct tax?
International betting sites operate differently when it comes to taxes. These licensed operators are supposed to follow the same tax rules as local sites, but enforcement varies widely. Many international platforms skip Kenyan tax deductions, leaving players responsible for reporting.
This tax difference has created a new category of "tax free betting sites" that cater to Kenyan players. Sites like 1xBet have become popular because users get their full winnings without any tax deductions.
Your responsibility to declare winnings
The KRA wants all Kenyan citizens to declare their income from whatever source. Local bookmakers treat the withholding tax as final, so you don't need to make extra declarations in your annual tax returns.
The rules say you should declare income from international platforms that don't deduct taxes, but enforcement remains limited.
Sites that pay tax on your behalf
Some international betting sites in Kenya have taken a customer friendly approach by covering tax costs. 22Bet and Betwinner are leading the way by paying government taxes for their customers. These platforms allow me to keep my full deposit and all my winnings upon withdrawal.
| Site Type | Excise Tax | Withholding Tax | Who Pays? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Sites | 5% | 20% | Player |
| Tax-Free Sites | 5% | 20% | Operator |
How to Choose the Right International Betting Site
Choosing the right international betting site takes time and research. My experience testing different platforms for 2023-2025 has helped me create a practical way to find the best options.
Check for M-Pesa support
The platform needs to support M-Pesa with reasonable limits. International bookmakers now know that Kenyan punters need this payment option. A good site should accept deposits from 5-10 KES. Fast withdrawals that are processed in minutes, not days, are also critical.
Compare bonuses and features
The real value is behind the attractive bonus headlines. Betwinner stands out with better conditions compared to other sites that have strict rules. Your betting style should determine which features are most important to you:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Bet Builder | Customizes betting experience |
| Live Betting | Enables in-game wagering |
| Odds Boosts | Increases potential returns |
| Cash Out | Provides flexibility mid-bet |
Look for football betting depth
football dominates the Kenyan betting scene, so market depth is key. Quality sites such as 22Bet offer over 1300 betting opportunities on every match. Sites that cover both international and local leagues well offer more value to serious football fans.
Evaluate customer support and user experience
Good customer service shows how reliable a site is. The best platforms respond to live chat questions within 2 minutes. You should test the support by asking specific questions about payments or bonuses before adding funds. The site's interface should work smoothly on both desktop and mobile devices.
Our Verdict
International betting sites have transformed Kenya's gambling world, giving players easy access to global sports markets with attractive bonuses and mobile payment options. This article explores how the recent tax cut from 15% to 5% on betting stakes makes these platforms even more attractive to Kenyan punters.
Most Kenyan punters bet with their smartphones, so the mobile experience is very important. I tested several platforms and found that 22Bet and 1xBet have the most reliable mobile apps. Their ratings exceed 4.6 stars and ensure smooth betting even with spotty internet connections.
The best platform requires four key features: M-Pesa support with fair transaction limits, clear bonus terms, detailed soccer markets, and fast customer service. A site that performs well in all of these areas will give you the best betting experience.
The Kenyan betting market is changing faster every day. The information in this article will help you navigate your way through international betting options while increasing your chances of having an enjoyable and potentially profitable experience.







