SportPesa resumes operations in Kenya after winning court cases

- SportPesa had resumed operations on October 30 but the BCLB slammed the brakes on it the following day

- The board on November 21, however, lifted the ban thus paving the way for SportPesa to resume operations in Kenya

- Gamers will now use paybill number 5212121 or 955100 to recharge their wallets and start betting

- Punters can also bet via SMS shortcode 29050

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Giant sports betting firm SportPesa has finally resumed operations in Kenya.

Gamers can now use paybill number 5212121 or 955100 to recharge their betting wallets for them to start enjoying staking and spectating their favourite teams.

The green light for SportPesa was given on Saturday, November 21, when the Betting Licensing and Control Board (BCLB) chairperson lifted the ban following a court order.

"The suspension of your bookmaker's off the course licence for financial year 2020/2021 has lapsed.

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Further, our letter dated October 30, 2020, mentioned herein is hereby withdrawn," read the letter signed by BCLB chairman Cyrus Maina.

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SportPesa has been out of business in the country since July 2019 following a tax dispute with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

In a separate story on Friday, October 30, TUKO.co.ke reported that the bookmaker had announced launch of its operation in Kenya after 16 months.

However, hardly a day after announcing its return in the Kenyan market, the BCLB ordered its paybill numbers to be shut down stating SportPesa could not operate under Milestone Games Limited.

According to the firm's CEO Ronald Karauri, Milestone Games Limited had acquired the rights to use the SportPesa brand-name in Kenya.

In an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, Karauri said SportPesa will continue its support for local sports teams with emphasis on football and boxing.

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He indicated among teams he will be seeking to bring on board are Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards.

"I will still talk to them even if they have new sponsors," the SportPesa chief stated.

How Kenyans reacted:

"I have been saving now and then waiting for the big come back. And now I know my time ya kuomoka imefika," Jantez Maudaku wrote on Facebook.

Michael Bett said, "When you were away father, we got thieves, and sites which gave us very low bonuses and even low odds".

"We missed you so much. We have been at the mercy of thieves and jokers for long. Imagine mtu anakuzuia kuplace bet ya more than 500 eti ueke tu 50 so that you can pick many teams and loose. I'm hoping that you are here to stay. These cartels won't rotate you again," said Prince Grevin Mluhyia.

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