Government blocks online betting firms

Kenya's Interior Ministry has said it has not renewed the licences of 27 betting companies including the country's biggest, SportPesa. In a letter to telecoms company Safaricom, Nairobi said the companies have not met the 'outstanding renewal requirements' without elaborating. The betting and gambling industry has over the past five years grown to be the biggest advertiser in the country. The Standard reports that over the past five years the betting and gambling industry has become the biggest advertiser in the country. BBC News reports that SportPesa is known worldwide as a sponsor of English Premier League football and it is branded on Everton's kit. In its response, Safaricom said its estimated 12m clients should still have access to the funds they have deposited in their betting accounts. It has asked for permission to allow clients to withdraw their funds. In addition, its lawyers noted that it has an outstanding court case with the authorities over a previous dispute. Another betting firm, MozzartBet, also defended its activities saying it has fully complied with all legal and tax obligations.