BAD NEWS TO GAMBLERS IN KENYA

Gamblers in Kenya were giddy after SportPesa had announced reentry to the Kenyan market.

SportPesa had posted in its official social media handles, “SportPesa is back! We have resumed normal operations and you can continue gaming on your favourite sports. Deposit and play. New Terms and Conditions apply.”

It seemed after a long absence, the betting giants were resuming operations in the country. The joy was short-lived as Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) prohibited Milestone Games Limited from using the trade-name SportPesa.

This was just after SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri announced that Milestone Games Limited had bought the rights to transact under the famous brand name SportPesa.

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In a statement addressed to Milestone Games Limited operation manager Bernard Chauro, Safaricom PLC’s legal officer Daniel Ndaba and acting Communication Authority of Kenya director-general Mercy Wanjau, BCLB chairperson Cyrus Maina said the board has blocked Milestone Games Limited from using the tradename Sportpesa on grounds that the original owner of the name, Pevan East Africa Limited, had filed a case in court over licencing hence no firm can use the name until the matter before court is dispensed with.

SportPesa has assured gambers that their cash that they had deposited in the few hours they were on operation is still safe.

“We apologise to our customers over the disruption with our paybill numbers affecting deposits and withdrawals. We are giving the issue our maximum attention.

The hitch arises from the provider’s side who we are in consultation with, in a bid to restore services,” they said in a statement.

“Our team assures you the safety of your money. Visit http://ke.sportpesa.com for more support information on payments.

Chat our support team on the website http://ke.sportpesa.com,” the company added.