Without argument, M-Pesa is the number one mobile payment method in Kenya. It holds the same position in the country’s gambling industry. However, the service’s popularity is not only local, as there are also international betting sites that accept M-Pesa. We’ll help you pick the best ones in this guide.
Tim is our betting guru. Every gaming site needs one, and Tim’s our guy. He has plenty of experience in betting online and is quite successful at it. Tim’s favorite sports are hockey, baseball, and Esports. Tim believes the latter to be the future of betting.
M-Pesa stands for “mobile money” with Pesa meaning money in Swahili. The phone-based payment service was introduced in 2007 so Kenyans could access seamless digital payments via SMS. Since then, it has spread to other countries and has become popular among sports betting enthusiasts.
List of the Best M-Pesa Betting Sites
If you’re a sports bettor and you own an M-Pesa account, we’ve highlighted the best bookmakers you can sign up with. You can trust our top-rated sites, as each was subject to extensive review before making the list.
All our recommended bookmakers are licensed and safe.
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Top 7 M-Pesa Sportsbooks Comparison Table
Not sure which sportsbook offers world-class betting services and also accepts M-Pesa? Here is the list of the best M-Pesa betting sites vetted by our team of experts:
22Bet ⭐
22bet.com
22Bet is a sportsbook popular for its extensive sports coverage and betting options. Besides offering several pre-match options, punters can also bet on live games and even stream matches as they play out. This way, you don’t have to miss out on any betting opportunity. New users can enjoy a 100% up to $122 welcome bonus that can be used to bet on any game of their choice.
Betika has come a long way from offering sports betting via SMS to being one of the top sportsbooks in Kenya and other African countries. Regardless of whether you are into local games or international sports, Betika is the surest place to get competitive odds and even low vig. Its excellence in sports markets aside, there is also a mobile app that allows you to place bets, claim promotions, and make deposits on the go. This makes it even easier to load your account with M-Pesa.
Betwinner might have been founded in 2019, but it has quickly risen to fame thanks to its user-focused approach. The site has over 2 dozen sports markets, including football, tennis, Aussie rules, and baseball, among others, and has 1,000+ daily events to bet on. This gives you more than enough options to bet on. Betwinner also offers 24/7 support, which means you can be assured of timely help regardless of when you have an issue or query.
Betway is one of the safest sportsbooks that accept M-Pesa. This international bookmaker was founded in 2006 by Super Group, and it has multiple licenses from UKGC, MGA, and BLCB. In addition to having a legal standing that assures you of fair betting, the site is also protected using high-end digital encryption technology.
This makes it impossible for your account or data to be accessed by third parties. The same goes for all your M-Pesa transactions, as your financial details are safeguarded, too.
If you aren’t sold on 1xBet having M-Pesa, maybe this will. 1xBet has a 100% first deposit bonus for new users. This bonus can be used on any of its over 30 betting markets. So, if you are a new bettor, this offer allows you to kickstart your betting experience with reduced risk.
Also, the bookie has a mobile app for Android and iOS devices, which makes it perfect for punters who are always on the move. Just like M-Pesa, the native app is lightweight and easy to use.
Helabet is a legit sportsbook operated by the Betting Control and Licensing Board of Kenya (BLCB) in Kenya. This operator has over 20 sports markets with games from over 15 countries. The platform offers competitive odds and even numerous bonuses to new and existing users. Speaking of bonuses, the bookie greets new punters with a 100% welcome bonus. If you are an existing bettor, you can enjoy the weekly rebate bonus that gives you back 0.3% of your total stake of the previous week.
PROS
CONS
PROS
Impressive welcome bonus
Has a native mobile app
Comprehensive betting option
CONS
App looks cluttered
No VIP bonus for sports bettors
BetOBet ⭐
helabet.com
If there is ever a crown for the sportsbook with the widest coverage, BetOBet will be wearing it. With over 75 sports coverage, 75,000+ pre-match monthly events, and 25,000+ monthly in-play games, this platform has more than enough options to satiate any punter’s desire. The limitless betting option is just one side of why BetOBet makes the cut. The other side is the impressive customer support channels. From the standard email method to live chat and even the telephone option, this operator ensures you don’t get stranded while betting.
PROS
CONS
PROS
Quick and free transaction
Massive betting opportunities
Has a mobile app for iOS and Android users
CONS
No live streaming option
Melbet ⭐
Besides being licensed by the BLCB, Melbet also holds licenses from several jurisdictions worldwide. This means Kenyan and bettors from other African countries will enjoy world-class betting on 50+ sports markets. You can deposit at least 112 KES with your M-Pesa account and withdraw 225 KES.
PROS
CONS
PROS
Wide variety of sports markets
Impressive promotions for new and existing users
Has a comprehensive live betting option
CONS
Limited promotions
No live streaming option
Mozzartbet ⭐
mozzart.com
Mozzartbet has been in operation since 2001. The sportsbook offers around 12 sports markets, but what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality as the Mozzartbet boasts of the lowest margin in Africa’s iGaming market. Adding to the inclusion of M-Pesa as its banking option, you have the best and most convenient sports betting sites.
PROS
CONS
PROS
High odds
High maximum withdrawal limit
Lots of promotions
Has a live streaming option
CONS
Limited sports markets
The table below provides a detailed breakdown for easy comparison
Casinos
In Play Mode
Live Streaming
Cash Out
Mobile Application
Bookmaker Payout
Min Deposit
Min Bet
Max Profit
Min Withdrawal
Withdrawal Time
Rating
94%
€1
€0.20
€600000
€1
Up to 7 working days
4.9
96%
KSh10
KSh1
KSh5000000
KSh50
Up to 24 hours
4.3
96%
€1
€0.20
Unlimited
€1.50
Up to 7 working days
4.7
94%
£5
£0.10
Unlimited
£10
Up to 5 working days
4.8
98%
€1
€0.20
Unlimited
€2
Up to 7 working days
4.6
Make an M-Pesa Deposit and Claim Your Bonus
You are eligible for unique bonus offers and promotions when you deposit M-Pesa on some sportsbooks. Different M-Pesa betting platforms have various promotions for all bettors with active accounts. The most common rewards and promotions are the deposit bonus offer, sign up bonus, no deposit bonus, free bets, and VIP offers. In most cases, you may be required to deposit a sum to activate bonuses. Remember the terms and conditions regarding bonus incentives for your chosen bookie.
Deposit with your Credit Card and receive a 50% Welcome Bonus up to $200 in Bonus Bets. Minimum Deposit: $50. 1x Playthrough Requirement. Full T&Cs apply
We match 100% of your First Deposit in Free Play and give you a $10 Casino Chip. Use this industry-leading Sign-Up Bonus to add more excitement to the games you love. Limited time only.. Full T&Cs apply.
Using M-Pesa to place bets on sports and games is simple, quick, and convenient. Here are a few tips on how to maximize online betting with M-Pesa:
Download the M-Pesa app or visit the website.
If you use the mobile app or the website, click on the menu button.
Tap on the button that says “lipa na M-Pesa.” “Lipa na M-Pesa” means “Pay with M-Pesa” in Swahili.
Click on the pay bill option.
Fill in the business number your selected bookie provides.
Fill in your betting account username or number.
Fill in the amount you want to deposit.
Fill in your M-Pesa pin, and tap on the send button.
👍 Minimum Deposit:
KSH 10
% Processing Fee:
No fee up to 100 KSH
⏱ Transaction Speed:
Instant
🆓 Largest Free Bet:
Betway: €30 Welcome Free Bet
888Sport: Bet €10, Get €30 in Free Bets
📱 Dedicated app:
Yes
🌍 Supported in:
Afghanistan, Congo – Kinshasa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania
💯 Best M-Pesa Betting Site:
22Bet
⏩ Fastest Bookie Withdrawal:
BetWinner
⭐ Best M-Pesa Bookie Deposit:
Betway
🔝 High Deposit Limits:
Betsafe
🔁 Betting Exchange and M-Pesa:
888Sport
🎁 Best M-Pesa Bonus:
10Bet
What Is M-Pesa?
M-Pesa is a mobile payment service established by Safari and Vodafone. You can use M-Pesa to transfer money, fund betting accounts, pay for goods, pay utility bills, buy airtime, and others. M-Pesa operates in 10 countries. The M in M-Pesa stands for mobile, while Pesa stands for money in Swahili. M-Pesa is widely recognized in Kenya.
Sportsbooks that allow the use of M-Pesa as a payment method offer:
competitive odds
nice bonus incentives
low minimum deposit
24/7 customer service
high wagering limits
user-friendly mobile apps
live betting options
boast maximum security and privacy
For the best betting experience, checking the M-Pesa bookies’ licensing and regulations is essential. Other important factors to consider are the sports available, positive reviews from bettors, and the security protocols it employs.
History of M-Pesa
In 2005, M-Pesa was launched in Kenya on a pilot basis. M-Pesa encountered the issue of gaining agents’ trust and encouraging them to process cash withdrawals during its pilot stage. After Vodafone introduced using M-Pesa to purchase airtime, M-Pesa transaction volume increased.
In 2007, Safaricom and Vodafone fully established the mobile payment service M-Pesa. M-Pesa headquarters is in Pretoria, South Africa. In 2008, M-Pesa started branching out into international markets. It is recognized and operated in the following African countries: on the Tanzanian betting scene, in Egypt, South Africa, Lesotho, Mozambique, DRC, Ghana, Kenya, and for Ethiopian bettors.
How to Open an M-Pesa Account
To register an M-Pesa account, you must have a valid means of identification and a Safaricom SIM card. You need a valid National ID, Kenyan military ID, passport, or foreign certificate.
Visit an M-Pesa or Safaricom agent outlet.
Submit all required information, such as valid ID, your Safaricom phone number, full name, and date of birth, to the agent.
A confirmation SMS that your registration has been successful and a 4-digit PIN will be sent.
Visit the Safaricom menu.
Click on M-Pesa.
Click on activate or wezesha.
Fill in the 4-digit PIN sent to you by M-Pesa via SMS.
Create a new 4-digit PIN and confirm it.
Fill in the same ID number the agent inputted during registration.
A secret word with a menu will be sent to your phone number. Tap ok.
Once you have successfully registered an account, your balance will be sent to you with a confirmation message.
Here is a how-to guide on requesting withdrawals using M-Pesa:
Log in to your preferred betting site.
On your dashboard, go to the cashier section.
Select M-Pesa as your preferred withdrawal method.
Input the amount you want to withdraw.
Input your M-Pesa account number.
Fill in your M-Pesa pin, and tap on the send button.
Fees & Limits
Using M-Pesa as your method of withdrawal incurs a low transaction fee. Making deposits into your betting account using M-Pesa is free. The minimum deposit amount is KSH 10. Transaction fees incurred are a particular percentage of the amount being transacted. M-Pesa’s daily limit for transactions is KSH 70,000.
M-Pesa Alternatives for Betting Online
Bookmakers provide several payment options to choose from if you do not want to use M-Pesa for betting online. Here are M-Pesa alternatives for betting online: Apple Pay, cryptocurrencies, debit cards, PayPal, Neteller, Paysafecard, credit cards, Skrill, bank transfers, and many more.
There are only a few reputable and legal M-Pesa betting sites. Here are a few tips on how to stay safe when betting with M-Pesa:
Check if the betting operator has a valid license and is regulated by legal gaming bodies within their jurisdiction. Visit the bookie’s homepage and go through it for information regarding legality.
Ensure that the betting site employs secure socket layer encryption.
Read reviews about the sportsbooks to find out if it is trustworthy.
When entering personal information into any betting platform, use caution and wager wisely.
Best International Betting Apps that accept M-Pesa
Below are the top betting apps with M-Pesa that also have a wide sports coverage and high odds.
Bookmaker
Minimum Deposit
Transaction Time
Fee
Minimum Withdrawal
Transaction Time
Fee
Market Coverage
Live Streaming
Mobile App
1win
150 KES
Instant
Free
1,000
Up to 24 hours
Varies
25+
Yes
Yes
888Starz
50 KES
Instant
Free
150 KES
Up to 24 hours
Varies
30+
Yes
Yes
BetWinner
100 KES
Instant
Varies
100 KES
Within 24 hours
Varies
13+
Yes
Yes
Bantubet
30 KES
Instant
Free
150 KES
Up to 24 hours
Varies
25+
No
Yes
Helabet
1 KES
Instant
Free
100 KES
1-2 Business Days
Varies
30+
Yes
Yes
Moyobet
10 KES
Instant
Free
50 KES
Up to 24 hours
Varies
20+
Yes
Yes (Android only)
Maybet
10 KES
Instant
Free
100 KES
Up to 24 hours
Varies
13+
No
Yes
Mozzartbet
10 KES
Instant
Free
100 KES
Instant
Varies
12+
Yes
Yes
22Bet
10 KES
Instant
Free
10 KES
Up to 24 hours
Varies
30+
Yes
Yes
Megapari
50 KES
Instant
Free
100 KES
Up to 24 hours
Varies
30+
Yes
Yes
Is It Worth Using M-Pesa for Betting Online?
M-Pesa is the best payment option due to its fast transactions. M-Pesa betting sites offer great odds and exclusive bonus offers. The payouts are better in bookies that accept M-Pesa. You can place a bet with M-Pesa on any sport, such as Esports, football, tennis, basketball, horse racing, and many more. Here are some benefits and downsides bettors should keep in mind.
PROS
CONS
PROS
Low transaction fees.
M-Pesa has a user-friendly mobile app. You can make fast and secure transactions on the go and monitor every transaction performed on the app.
Bettors using M-Pesa qualify for welcome bonuses. When using some alternative payment options, you do not qualify for welcome bonuses.
CONS
Only a limited number of sportsbooks accept M-Pesa.
If you gamble heavily, M-Pesa is not for you as the maximum daily transaction limit is 150,000 KSH.
Betting with M-Pesa on International Bookmakers – Betzillion Overview
International betting sites using M-PESA have bridged the gap for Kenyan punters. They accept a payment method that’s not only easy to use, but also deeply familiar to residents. With just a phone number and PIN, M-PESA removes the need to link a bank account or card, making it a safer option for many bettors.
Transactions with this option are also very quick. Deposits are instant and withdrawals only take a couple of days. If you’re a casual punter or someone concerned with spending control, the low and free deposits are a big plus. While there is a small fee on withdrawals, it’s one of the lowest compared to other payment methods.
M-Pesa is a mobile money service that allows you to send and receive money from your smartphone. This payment option is very popular in Kenya due to the speed and convenience it offers.
Is it safe to use M-PESA for international betting?
Yes, it is generally safe to use M-Pesa for international betting on reputable, licensed platforms like the ones we’ve recommended. Likewise, all transactions via the payment method require the use of a PIN.
Is M-PESA legal in Kenya?
Yes. M-Pesa is fully legal in Kenya and is regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya. This means you can sign up at betting sites with M-Pesa without breaking any law.
Do I need to verify my identity when using M-PESA on a betting site?
Due to regulations and in order to access all the features available at M-Pesa betting sites, you are required to complete the KYC verification. This includes submitting a government-issued ID, among other things.
Tim is our betting guru. Every gaming site needs one, and Tim’s our guy. He has plenty of experience in betting online and is quite successful at it. Tim’s favorite sports are hockey, baseball, and Esports. Tim believes the latter to be the future of betting.
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