Finding a platform that will be reliable, secure, and profitable can be challenging, given the large number of betting websites that are currently available on the local market. We cannot ignore the fact that many fraudulent or illegal websites also emerge with the active development of these platforms, which is a huge problem, especially for beginners who don’t know the right tricks to spot them. Registering on an illegal betting platform may cause you a lot of trouble, especially regarding the security of your money transactions, which is why we suggest you take a look at our special guide that will help you avoid getting into those situations.
What’s Bad About an Unlicensed Sportsbook?
First, it is crucial to clarify why using a sportsbook that is not authorized is a bad idea. Obviously, if a sportsbook is not licensed or doesn’t have any documentation proving its legitimacy, it means that it is not authorized by the government and functions illegally in the country. Registering on such websites and profiting from them would mean taking part in illegal activity and putting your personal information, including your funds, in jeopardy.
Also, you simply risk getting tricked by fraudulent sites that will basically steal your money, which is probably one of the most disappointing things that could happen.
Not all unlicensed sportsbooks are fraudulent, but it is highly likely that if any kind of problem occurs, you will not be able to get decent support and will simply have to deal with it, especially when speaking about money issues. We strongly discourage registering on such platforms; even though they may sometimes offer profitable betting options, most of the time, it’s a trap.
If you wish to learn more about how to register on safe sportsbooks, we may recommend you take a look at the Betsafe Kenya registration guide or check out some of the licensed platforms we will mention further in this article.
1# How to Spot It
Now that you have familiarized yourself with what an unlicensed platform is, check out how to spot one and secure your betting experience.
- One of the first things you should take into account when visiting a betting platform is the website’s interface. If you notice that the site looks strange, has glitches, or is broken, that’s definitely a red flag. A licensed sports betting website is usually good-looking and easy to navigate.
- If the offers seem too unrealistic, that may be a trap. If you notice that the offers proposed by the platform look too beneficial, then that’s certainly a ruse to attract new customers.
- If you notice that the website’s address regularly changes, that’s definitely a bad sign too. Only illegal sportsbooks have to regularly change their address since they need to hide it from the authorities. This practice is very popular among illegal platforms; such sites are called “mirrors.”
- No real customer care service. Most fraudulent websites don’t have a real support team; usually, the support number is displayed on the website to make it seem more real and trustworthy. If you really have a problem with the platform and try to reach out for help, most of the time, you’ll simply get no answer or some useless message in return.
- There is no information proving the bookie’s legitimacy. Most licensed sportsbooks have a special link at the bottom of their website with documentation proving their legitimacy. Look out for these documents if you have doubts about the platform.
2# Licensed vs Unlicensed
After checking out our tips, you’re probably already an expert at spotting a fake website, but let’s look at the difference between a licensed and unlicensed sportsbook. Knowing what a licensed betting platform looks like will help you have a better understanding of the website you are registering on.
| ✅Licensed | ❌Unlicensed |
| Great interface, smooth navigation | The website is bugging and looks unusual |
| Quick payouts | Slow withdrawal process |
| Rapid and efficient customer service | Unresponsive or useless support |
| Positive reviews | Regularly changes address |
| Has the required documentation | Unrealistic offers |
| Great reputation among the betting community | There is no documentation proving the website’s legitimacy |
| Money transactions are secure | Negative reviews from customers |
3# List of Unlicensed Sportsbooks
In order to secure your betting experience, we decided to present you with a list of sportsbooks that shouldn’t be trusted. Obviously, not all of them are on the list since some of them are hiding from the government, but we still managed to gather as many of them as possible.
- 12bet
- 24hpoker
- Betcity
- Jojobet
- 1bet.com
- Skybook
Remember that there are not only independent fraudulent platforms on the market but also those that try to look like official ones by copying their websites. If you visit a website that looks exactly like 1xBet or Melbet, for example, but you feel that something’s not right, then that’s probably a fake website. They usually copy huge betting platforms to seem more trustworthy.
4# Best Licensed Sportsbooks in Kenya
Let’s forget about websites that are willing to scam you. Below, we present you a list of Kenyan betting platforms that are worth trusting and that are absolutely legal. These betting sites have been approved by the government and have all the required documentation to confirm it.
- 1xBet
- BangBet
- Betwinner
- Kwikbet
- Melbet
- Shabiki
- Betway
Conclusion
To conclude, we highly recommend you be very attentive when picking a betting platform. Not all websites out there are licensed, which means that not all of them should be trusted. Learn the right tricks to avoid getting scammed, and always verify all the necessary documentation.
Spending a few minutes verifying if a sportsbook is licensed or not could prevent you from spending lots of time trying to get your money back. Unfortunately, even though the Kenyan authorities are trying to fight these websites’ activity, they still exist, which is why you should always be prepared.