Pevans East Africa Limited, which operates as SportPesa has been dealt a big blow after the High dismissed case seeking to regain its license.
The betting firm will now take longer to resume operations following the court decision.
The company had filed a case in which it sought to be compensated over the losses it has suffered since its license was revoked over alleged failure to pay taxes to the government.
The firm also wanted the government to allow it to operate without a license before the determination of its case, but the court dismissed the application.
Justice John Mativo in his ruling said that the application will not be granted as requested because it is against the laws of betting.
“The circumstances of this case are that the petitioner’s licence has expired. Even if the court quashes the decision there is no basis the petitioner can operate on an expired licence,” Justice Mativo ruled as quoted by Citizen Digital.
The court also said that SportPesa had not tabled evidence to show that the above tests have been undertaken to satisfaction and hence no injunction could be issued over the matter.
It also said that the betting firm had failed to demonstrate how the government had violated its rights of operation after the announcement of the crackdown on the betting firms.