British betting tycoon Victor Chandler, who is worth £230 million (Sh30.1 billion), is a significant shareholder of the Kenyan unit of BetLion that also count local investors as owners
Betlion launched in mid december with the highest jackpot in the market standing at 350M compared to Sportpesa one
The cigar-smoking betting boss, credited as a pioneer of telephone and online betting, is now eyeing a piece of Africa’s betting billions.
Mr Chandler set up gaming firm BetVictor, which is now the official training kit sponsor of English Premier League giants Liverpool before selling it in 2014.
BetLion has gained a significant share in the Ugandan market since setting shop early this year riding on the sponsorship. Kenya’s SportPesa started operations in Uganda in late 2017.
BetLion is seeking a presence in eight African countries including Zambia and others in West Africa. The firm’s entry to Kenya comes after the Treasury successfully pushed for a change in a law that cut gaming tax from 35 per cent of gross revenues to 15 per cent, caving in to pressure from betting firms.