Betting apps in Kenya have remained popular despite the changes in government regulations.
The Kenyan government imposed a 20% tax rate on betting winnings but the gambling craze is still on.
Some companies have had to battle in court to maintain their licenses.
International betting companies dominate the betting world in Kenya.
The highest percentage of companies offer their services on websites and not betting apps.
A few have developed mobile apps to improve the experience for their users.
Mobile apps give players the same experience as a betting website with increased connectivity.
Some companies offer the option of betting via SMS or USSD code to save on data charges.
In this review, we focus on companies that have both a betting website and a functional mobile app.
1. SportPesa
SportPesa is among the most popular betting apps in the Kenyan market. It was also among the first apps to hit the market.
The developers emphasize on the simplicity of following and placing bets on the app for the users.
In addition, the developers have been updating the app to optimize its performance.
The speed of placing bets on teams is important to users because it has an effect on their data usage.
Another top feature of the SportPesa app is the intuitive user interface. A large number of football fans have limited technical skills.
A simple and intuitive interface makes the app a favorite. The app is free to download and use.
Users enjoy a variety of sports to place bets on including tennis, football, and rugby among others.
2. 1XBET
The 1XBET betting company has a large international clientele of more than 400,000 site users.
Betting fans consider the stability of the betting company when choosing an app. 1XBET offers this guarantee, which partly explains its growing popularity in Kenya.
The app is available for both Android and iOS devices. The first deposit bonus of up to Ksh.10, 000 attracts many users.
The company has an excellent live betting platform and its jackpots are high.
Kenyans also use 1XBET because of the reliable customer service and high odds across all sports.
3. Betika
Betika has done a considerable good job of marketing the app across all online and offline platforms.
Many betting apps in Kenya emphasize large initial bonuses. Betika attracts users with the betting amount.
Kenyan users can place a bet with as little as Ksh.49.
The app offers high odds as well across all sports and a great experience on both the app and website.
Kenyans run for the daily Betika bonuses and jackpot matches.
Similar to most betting apps, Betika offers instant deposits and withdrawals
Betika app is free and compatible with both Android and iOS platforms.
READ ALSO: Why are Instant Loans Popular in Kenya Despite Metropol CRB Listings?
4. Sportybet
The company offers a fast and light betting app to users. Users can complete the process of placing bets within 6MB.
Such a rate is affordable to many Kenyans given the declining data charges across all mobile carriers.
Another amazing feature of the betting app is instant notifications. Users know instantly when they win to cash out their returns.
Sportybet gives users the freedom to choose between full and partial cash out. Every bet has a return despite the outcome.
The app allows users to bet with any amount from Ksh.50 to Ksh.300. The Karibu bonus for placing an initial bet within that range is Ksh.1, 000.
Sportybet is different from other betting apps in Kenya in that it allows users to bet on virtual games.
5. M-Bet
Kenyans have preferred international companies for a long time because of the risks involved in the game.
However, Kenyan companies such as M-Bet have managed to penetrate and gain a significant market share.
The company is fully incorporated according to the laws of Kenya for gaming sites.
M-Bet gives an easy experience to users and is available on all mobile networks in the country.
The company started by building its betting site before introducing its free apps to its users.
App users can bet on multiple sports and virtual games.
6. Mcheza
Developers have worked hard at making betting apps appealing to Kenyans.
The Mcheza app is among the apps that resonate with users right from its name to its unique features.
The company provides an option of using a USSD code to register and place bets in case of internet disconnection.
Users can cash out their bets at any time during a live game or even before a game starts.
In addition, users can withdraw their bet via SMS at any time.
Mcheza offers virtual sports in addition to other international sports such as rugby, football, basketball, and tennis.
Similar to other betting apps in Kenya, the Mcheza app uses the Lipa na Mpesa payment option for deposits and withdrawals.
The app is available on the Android platform, which is the most popular mobile platform in Kenya.
Quick tips on how to choose a betting app
1. Privacy policy
Avoid betting companies without a privacy policy if you want to keep your personal data safe.
Remember that you will be required to give your personal details for registration.
You will also provide your mobile money account for deposits and withdrawals.
2. Betting odds
Go for betting apps in Kenya with high betting odds.
High odds help you to lower your risks of overspending on betting.
3. User interface
The best betting apps should have a simple and friendly interface.
Betting is a fun game. You do not need long manuals to learn how to use an app.
4. Customer service
Betting apps and sites sometimes develop issues, especially when you want to place a bet or withdraw.
If you have any issue with your account, the customer care staff should be available to resolve it fast.
Read other client’s reviews and test the customer service before betting huge on a new app.
5. Payment options
Mpesa and Airtel Money are widely accepted in Kenya.
Get an app that supports your preferred payment method for deposits and withdrawals.
6. Bonuses
Every player deserves a good bonus from the preferred betting company.
Check the bonus policy right from the initial bonus and other bonus products.
Watch out for companies with a high initial bonus but low earnings on other products.
7. Variety
Football is huge in Kenya but you need more than one sport.
What happens when a league ends? Do you stop winning?
Choose an app with a variety of games, especially your favorite games.
Final remarks
Choosing the best among the top betting apps in Kenya is now easy for you. However, you must play responsibly to enjoy the game. The list of apps will grow as more betting companies develop apps to enhance user experience.
