Sports Betting Kenya | M-Pesa, Odds & Markets

Sports betting has become a widely enjoyed online pastime, with many Kenyans participating through their mobile phones in 2026. The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya took charge of overseeing the gambling industry back in 2023. Most activities occur on smartphones, as over 90% of transactions are done via mobile devices. M-Pesa integration has transformed how people deposit and withdraw cash, making it possible to transfer money in just seconds. The system lets you handle transactions in Kenyan Shillings, avoiding those annoying currency conversion fees. Football remains the favorite for betting, but there’s a whole bunch of options in various sports categories. To bet on sports in this country, you need to be at least 18 years old, and that’s verified through essential KYC checks. Operators must keep all data on local servers and establish geolocation boundaries. Bettors face a 20% tax on their winnings, and operators have to handle a 15% tax on their total revenue. A 7.5% excise duty applies to staked amounts, plus a 5% tax is taken from each withdrawal made from betting wallets. The spotlight on mobile gadgets continues to drive fresh ideas in 2026.

Written by Allan Asava

Last update: 08.01.26 15:01

Top 10 Sports Betting Choices in Kenya

Mobile-First Sports Betting in Kenya

Kenya’s mobile revolution has transformed how people make their bets Smartphones are now the primary way folks stay in touch, thanks to cellular networks that even stretch to remote areas. This shift highlights broader digital trends unfolding across the nation.

Football Leads the Sports betting Conversation

Football reigns supreme in the betting scene in Kenya. Major tournaments and local matches consistently attract attention from bettors who keep a watchful eye on both international and local events throughout the year.

• English Premier League tops the list for Kenyan bettors, with matches held weekly from August to May each year;
• UEFA Champions League grabs a lot of attention during the knockout stages, especially when Europe’s top teams go head-to-head;
• Kenyan Premier League comprises 18 teams, giving bettors the chance to back local favorites like Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards;
• Spanish La Liga enjoys a dedicated following, especially among fans of Barcelona and Real Madrid, with El Clásico matchups prompting significant betting;
• Basketball sits in second place for betting interest, particularly with NBA games that air late at night in Kenya;
• Tennis Grand Slam tournaments like Wimbledon and the Australian Open see a surge in betting during their two-week events;
• Rugby sevens competitions attract passionate fans who closely track the national team’s performance on the world stage.

Deposits, Wallets, and Cashouts for Sports Betting

The transaction process on betting sites is as simple as it is at any online casino. It kicks off when you put some cash into your account and finishes when you cash out. Mobile money services like M-Pesa simplify things at every step, from putting in money to taking it out.

1. Open your betting account on your phone and pick the option to deposit
2. Select M-Pesa as your payment method and enter the amount you want to add in Kenyan shillings.
3. Wrap up your M-Pesa transaction on your phone by entering your PIN when prompted.
4. Watch for a notice that the funds have arrived in your betting wallet; this generally takes around 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
5. Take a look at the games available for betting and place your bets on the outcomes you prefer
6. Watch your bet until the game is over and the system confirms your pick
7. Check your wallet balance to ensure your winnings have been added automatically once everything’s settled
8. Go to the withdrawal section and request a cashout to your M-Pesa number.
9. Enter the amount you want to withdraw and take a moment to verify the transaction details.
10. Your cash will land in your M-Pesa wallet within 5 to 15 minutes.

Common Betting Options in Sports Betting

In Kenya, people looking to place bets have a variety of market options to fit different interests and risk preferences. The table below lists a few popular bet types you can expect to see in 2026, along with explanations that tie into local contexts.

Reading Odds and Estimating Returns in Sports betting

Figuring out what your bets might return helps you make smarter decisions. The steps below break down decimal odds, how to calculate payouts, and how different stake amounts affect your winnings. “`

1. Take a look at the decimal odds displayed alongside each betting choice on the site you’ve chosen, such as 2.50 or simply 1.75.
2. To figure out your total return, just multiply your stake by the decimal odds.

This covers your starting investment.

1. Wager KES 1,000 at odds of 2.50, then just multiply those figures to get a total payout of KES 2,500.
2. To find out your actual profit, simply subtract your initial investment from your total earnings. In this instance, that amounts to KES 1,500.
3. Experiment with different stake amounts while keeping the odds constant to see how the payouts change—placing KES 500 on odds of 2.50 would total a payout of KES 1,250.
4. Look at the odds across different markets to see which bets might offer better returns for the same amount wagered.

Taxes and Deductions Bettors Face in Sports Betting

There are three key taxes that take a bite out of the winnings bettors make from their activities. Each deduction starts at a different stage in the transaction process, beginning when you place your bet and continues up to the very last withdrawal.

Live Markets and In-Play Sports Betting

Live betting allows you to place bets as the event happens in real time. The odds shift constantly based on what’s going on in the game, so you’ve got to make quick decisions and really stay focused.

• Live betting mechanics: You choose markets while the games are happening, and you’ve got to confirm your bets before the odds change, with the stakes deducted from your account balance in Kenyan Shillings immediately;
• Football in-play markets: The next goal scorer, the correct halftime score, total corners in the second half, and predictions for red cards are popular picks for 2026;
• Basketball live options: Point spreads adjust after every quarter, and you can spot quick betting opportunities with total points and which team will score next;
• Odds fluctuation: Prices might shift within 3 to 7 seconds after key moments like goals or penalties occur during the game;
• Timing considerations: You’ll notice sports betting gets more rewarding when you act during those fleeting moments when the odds stabilize between major events in the game.

Promotions and Bonuses in Sports Betting

In 2026, sportsbooks in Kenya are trying out various promotional strategies to attract bettors. The table below shows the common types of bonuses and important conditions that affect how you can claim and withdraw your winnings in Kenyan Shillings.

Avoiding Common Sports Betting Mistakes

Making mistakes can really impact your bankroll and reduce your chances of winning when you place bets in Kenya Sports betting requires a bit of self-control and a solid grasp of various pitfalls that can affect both newcomers and seasoned bettors in the local area.

1. Avoid the temptation to recover your losses by placing larger bets immediately after a loss, thinking you’ll get your money back.
2. Try narrowing your choices to just 3-5 instead of stuffing in 10-15 bets that rarely bring in any returns.
3. Remember that a 20% tax is taken off your winnings, plus a 5% excise tax on your stakes, when calculating potential returns in Kenyan Shillings.
4. Also, keep in mind that there’s a 5% fee each time you transfer money from your betting wallet to M-Pesa or your bank account.
5. Before you put in any cash, be sure to create a simple betting plan that outlines clear stake amounts and monthly limits.
6. Don’t place bets on sports or leagues you don’t know well before looking at the team stats and their recent performances first.

Questions People Ask About Sports Betting in Kenya