'Betting firms key contributors to Kenya Exchequer'

18 Novembre 2017

Nairobi, Kenya, November 18  (Infosplusgabon) - With over 45 sports betting and gaming companies in Kenya, the firms contribute over US$2 billion to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) annually, a mobile telephony service provider company head said on Saturday.

Airtel Kenya Managing Director Managing Director Prasanta Das Sarma told the press that with 10 million people, betting firms and telecommunication firms, who provide the platform for online betting are moving in the right direction.

He was speaking at the launch of an integrated betting platform, dubbed Betway Sare, which will give bettors registered with Airtel Money an opportunity to place bets and withdraw or transfer their wins while on the Betway platform at no extra charges.

The partnerships bring together Airtel Kenya, the seconded largest telecomuunication firm in Kenya, and betting firm Betway, who are sponsors English Premier League, Westham and Kenyan Premier League side, Mathare United.

Sarma, quoting figures released by Kenya's communications regulator, Communications Authority (CA), said the fact that they are 40 million sim cards in the Kenyan market means the bulk of Kenya's 45 million people are are using mobile phones, a reflection of the digital penetration in the country.

Recent statistics by Geopoll, a research firm, indicate that over 76 per cent of Kenyans are involved in some kind of betting or gaming, with the sports category topping the list of favorites. Further, 78 per cent of the youth place bets using their mobile phones.

Wanja Gikonyo, Betway Country Manager, emphasised that the new platform offers a great opportunity for both Betway and Airtel customers to fully enjoy betting and win more for less.

Airtel Kenya and Betway, however, advocated for responsible gaming by advising their consumers to do research before betting and to use what they can afford to bet as it is a form of recreation and not a means of livelihood.

FIN/INFOSPLUSGABON/UJK/ GABON 2017

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