What are the payment methods for Kenyan bettors?

In recent times, the online betting scene in Kenya has witnessed a huge improvement. Since the number of betting firms continues to grow, existing bookmakers continue to improve their platforms to give their customers a reason to stay.

One of the improvements is the ease of payment and withdrawals. One of the factors that make a betting site stand out is the banking options they offer.

For local bookies and football betting sites, making deposits and withdrawing winnings isn’t a problem, as most of these sites offer mobile payments options.

For foreign-based bookmakers, the options vary. Players can pay and withdraw through e-wallets, credit cards and so on.

Payment Methods: What Options do Kenyan Gamblers have?

One of the factors that can improve the overall quality of a bettors gambling experience on a bookie website is the ease of transaction. Every player desires a good list of reliable banking options.

Below are some of the popular payment methods offered by reputable betting sites and their pros and cons.

1. Debits and Credits Cards

This method is strictly offered by legitimate and reputable sites only and it is quite popular among foreign bookies. Debit cards such as MasterCard and Visa are known for fast processing time and safe transactions. These methods will also not require any fees for the processing which is another plus.

However, depending on how secure the site of the bookie is, financial information shared while using these options can be compromised.

2. Mobile Payments (M-Pesa and Airtel Money)

Many local betting sites offer this payment method and it is by far the easiest option. M-Pesa is a mobile transfer platform that allows bettors to deposit funds into their betting accounts via their mobile phone.

M-Pesa can also be used as both a deposit and withdrawal method. As stated earlier, this method is largely offered by local bookies, such as BetLion. However, international bookies, for example 22Bet and Betway, also offer M-Pesa and Airtel money as a deposit and withdrawal method.

The sole advantage of this payment is the ease bettors have to make deposits or withdrawals by sending an SMS. The processing time is also fast and it can take 24 hours to a few days for funds processed to reflect. The downside is that huge sums cannot be processed using this method, so high-rollers wont find this method very useful. Also, M-Pesa is not a free service and a small fee is usually charged when using this method.

3. Skrill and Neteller

E-wallets are common on international betting sites, however, local bookies are starting to integrate this into their banking options. Bettors are required to have an existing account with Neteller or Skrill and must have deposited real cash into their e-wallets.

Subsequently, the credits in either of these e-wallets can be used to deposit into their betting accounts. Withdrawals can also be made using these methods but it comes with a service charge.

E-wallets are known to be the method of payment as they do not require financial details to be shared with the website they are used on.

Depending on the betting site, more payment methods might be offered. It is, however, the responsibility of the player to make sure the sportsbook is safe and legitimate before they initiate any transaction.