Gaming firm Betin Kenya has temporarily survived closure after High Court suspended the Betting and Licensing Board’s July 1 decision not to renew Gamcode Limited (locally trading as Betin Kenya) license.
High Court Judge Weldon Korir came to the rescue of the gambling service provider that was among 19 undisclosed betting entities denied license renewal.
“A conservatory order be and is hereby issued staying or suspending the effect of the betting board’s decision of rejecting the applicant’s application for the renewal of its 2019/2020 bookmaker’s license, until July 16,” the Justice Korir ruled as quoted by Business Daily.
The tussle started last year when Gamcode Limited tried to renew its license but was only granted a one-year extension until this year June 30. The board later banned unverified adverts.
Representing Betin, Former Attorney-General Githu Muigai questioned the timing of the verdict. He alleged that the Betting and Licensing Board gave a verdict intentionally at a time that endangered Betin’s operations, which included legal action for operating an unlicensed business.
“The receipt of the decision after the expiry of the applicant’s license on June 30 clearly shows that the board wanted to issue the communication once the license had expired, thereby preventing them from operating as from July 1,” Prof Mungai said.
The Betting and Licensing Board is yet to respond to the court ruling.