SportPesa Review 2025: Honest Breakdown of Features, Odds, Apps & Payouts

If you've been betting for a while, then SportPesa might have come to your attention, even if briefly. Reason is, they are one of the biggest players in Africa's online Sportsbook industry and offer users in Tanzania, South Africa and Kenya with top-tier services. 

Licensed globally by the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission, while possessing local licenses, Sportpesa is a legal and secure platform to stake your bets. What's more? They come highly recommended by Betting Tips Africa. 

Want to hear something special about Sportpesa? The bookmaker offers one of the best websites and app designs in Africa! There are also three different apps to simplify your usage! So, if you’re just getting started or you’ve been betting long enough to remember paper slips, SportPesa keeps things simple and accessible with a very clean design, app specialisation, and one of the best navigation sites in Africa.  

Also, Sportpesa is not just about sports betting. You’ll find many other games and verticals to keep you entertained, and you will have a chance to win more money on the platform. You'll get casino games, virtuals, eSports, Lucky numbers, Crash Games, and many more packed into the platform. Alongside, you'll get a steady flow of promos and jackpots to keep things spicy.

In this honest, hands-on SportPesa review, I'll walk you through everything that matters before you place your bets. 

Together, we'll go over the 

• Betting experience
• Licenses
• Security
• Payment options
• Odds
• Customer support
• Platforms (website and app)performance
• And where Sportpesa hits or misses. 

So, if you’re trying to decide whether SportPesa is worth your stake, this review will help you decide smarter and faster. After all, your bets are only as good as the bookmaker you're staking with.

SportPesa vs the Others

Here’s how SportPesa compares to some of the most popular betting platforms in Tanzania:

Quick Roundup 

• Choose SportPesa if you want a fast betting experience with both the mobile site and app performance.
• Go with Premier Bet for promotions, app support, and more advanced features like partial cash out.
• Try Betika if you like live stats and instant withdrawals.

You can also explore our curated list of the best betting sites in Africa.

Signing up on SportPesa is fast and mobile-friendly. Although it takes a bit of adjustment due to different locations, it's nothing difficult. If you’re on a phone or desktop, the process is straightforward. Here's exactly how I went about it: 

Step 1: Visit the SportPesa Website

• I visited the Sportpesa website using my trusted Chrome browser. (You can use any of your choice, but Chrome, Opera, or Safari works best on mobile).
• I noticed the homepage loads quickly and has a simple black-and-blue colour theme.

Step 2: Select Your Location

• I scrolled to the bottom of the homepage and clicked on the drop-down box, which had “global” written in it. 
• I selected my preferred location. You'll see Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. 
• If you're from other locations, you should leave the drop-down box in “global” and adjust your location from the registration form page. 

Step 3: Click On “Register”
 

• After selecting my region, I clicked on the register button. It's coated in blue colour. 
• On desktop, you'll find the "Register" button in the top-right corner. It’s bold, blue, and easy to spot. 
• On mobile, the “Register” button pops up at the bottom of your phone screen. Looks like a good innovation from the usual, but may look odd to some users. 

Step 4: Enter Your Name And Mobile Number

• A pop-up form appeared. It's divided into three sections: Personal details, Account information, and Contact details. 
• I filled in my full name, date of birth, preferred username and password, phone number, email address, and home address. 
• Input your details correctly. Do not try any maneuvers that could cost you your account. 

Step 5: Accept the Terms and Conditions

• Here, I ticked three small boxes
• The first box confirms that I accept the Terms & Conditions.”
• The second confirms that I will provide my bank information for withdrawals. 
• The third confirms that I would like to receive promotional stuff, like bonuses, in my email. This one is optional, though. 

Step 6: Verify Your Account (Optional but Recommended)

• While SportPesa allows instant login after sign-up, you’ll eventually need to verify your account to:
  • Withdraw funds
  • Access full features
• Verification usually involves an SMS code or uploading your ID via support.

Verdict 📝: 

• For South Africans, you've got to input your ID number at the beginning of the registration form. 
• SportPesa has a downloadable app for Android and iOS. But you do not need the app to register. 
• The registration process is quite simple, and you'll be betting in under two minutes. Super cool.

As a top bookmaker in Africa, SportPesa operates in select African countries, with varying licensing and legal conditions depending on local gambling laws. So, where can you use Sportpesa legally? Here's a country-by-country breakdown I collated. Check it out:

Tanzania

• Status: Legal
• Licensed By: Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT)
• Details: SportPesa Tanzania is fully licensed and operates under local laws. Tanzanian users can register, bet, and withdraw freely via mobile money services.

Kenya

• Status: Legal (after past suspension)
• Licensed By: Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB)
• Details: SportPesa was suspended in 2019 due to tax disputes but re-entered the market in 2020 under Milestone Games Ltd. Kenyan users can now legally bet on SportPesa.

South Africa

• Status: Legal
• Licensed by: National Gambling Board (NGB) and Western Cape Racing and Gambling Board. 
• Details: SportPesa is licensed by the National Gambling Board (NGB) of South Africa and can legally accept bets from South African players.

As mentioned above, Sportpesa has local licences in Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. But that's not all, the bookmaker can accept players from other regions due to their international license from the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission. These include players from;

• Nigeria 
• Uganda 
• Zambia 
• Ghana 
• Malawi 

Verdict 📝:

Sportpesa has taken the next steps in reaching the majority of Africa. If the bookmaker is not having a local license in your country, it's still safe to game with them if their international license includes your location. Always double-check if your country is listed on SportPesa’s page before signing up. Using a VPN or a fake location to bypass restrictions may lead to account suspension and loss of funds.

Who Is SportPesa? 

Let's establish one key point: SportPesa is one of the most recognisable betting brands in Africa. The platform, which was originally launched in 2014 in Kenya, quickly became a dominant force in African sports betting. It is known for its bold sports sponsorships and slick user experience. 

I'd like us to take a deeper look at who Sportpesa is. After all, you'll be putting in your money, so you've got to know who exactly the platform is. 

Company Ownership

Taking a deeper look, I learned that SportPesa is mostly owned by Pevans East Africa Ltd in Kenya. The bookmaker is then operated by other licensed local entities in different regions. Let's check them out:

• Tanzania: Milestone Games/Kentech S.L.U
• South Africa: SportPesa (Pty) Ltd.
• Kenya: Kentech S.L.U
• Other Locations (Global): Kentech S.L.U/SP international Limited 

This means that their operations in the different locations are handled under a licensed local domain, typically overseen by national regulatory bodies.

Licensing and Regulation

SportPesa holds local gaming licenses in each country where it operates. These include:

• Kenya: Licensed by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) under Milestone Games Ltd.
• Tanzania: Licensed by the Gaming Board of Tanzania (GBT).
• South Africa: Licensed by the National Gambling Board and the Western Cape Racing and Gambling Board
• Global: Licensed by the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission

Other Products & Verticals

While SportPesa’s focus is heavily on sports betting, it also offers:

• Virtual Sports
• Jackpot Games
• Live Betting

Like platforms such as Betway, Sportpesa offers a full-fledged online casino, making it exciting for users seeking slots or table games. Casino lover? You'll get your hands full with Sportpesa! 

SportPesa Bonus Offers

As I said earlier, I expected a bookmaker that prioritised giving back to users, especially new ones. To say I wasn't happy is an understatement. I was disappointed. 

At the moment, there is no welcome bonus for you at Sportpesa. While this is very disappointing, it may change at any time, so do check your promo tab if you're already a user, and check your account if you're just registering. 

It is not all doom and gloom at Sportpesa in terms of bonus offers though! The bookmaker focuses on exciting offers like:

• Jackpots
• ACCA bonuses of up to 50% more winnings 
• Price blasts
• Aviator free bets 
• Event-based promos and others. 

I know you're eager to check out which offers would suit you, but I can't discuss them all with you on this page. To get every detail on the offers you can get at Sportpesa, you'll have to check out the page link below. 

👉 Read more about Sportpesa Bonuses

Did I tell you Sportpesa has some life-changing jackpots up their sleeve? Sounds great? Get on  our full Sportpesa Bonus Page and see for yourself! 

Bonus Wrap-up: While Sportpesa does not feel exciting due to the absence of a welcome bonus, there are still some offers that'll thrill you. Basically, if you prefer steady promotions, SportPesa's bonus structure may feel just right. 

But, if you’re looking for welcome perks, cashback, loyalty clubs, you might want to pair it with a second account elsewhere. Betway or Betika may offer you better stuff in this regard. You can also explore the list of the best betting bonuses in 2025.

In simple terms, SportPesa keeps things simple with their website. The website is the first thing anyone will notice when visiting a bookmaker, and that's what I noticed first too. While keeping the website simple sounds great, I classify it as both a strength and a limitation depending on what kind of punter you are.

Want to know why? Let's see! 

Visual Design and Layout

The website uses a blue, white, and dark gray color scheme that feels familiar if you've used some of the bigger betting platforms. It's not flashy, but it’s easy on the eyes. The homepage prioritises live games, and the sports catalogue is right at the top. This way, you won't be wasting time digging.

Menus are collapsible and relatively uncluttered, especially on mobile. However, the desktop layout can feel a bit tight, especially when you're comparing odds or trying to scan across multiple sports.

Navigation Experience

You’ll find top and side navigation bars that are straightforward. Live games, Sports, Jackpot, and Casino, Virtuals all have dedicated tabs, and the search function actually works. This is a plus if you're looking for niche teams or leagues.

However, some dropdowns (especially on desktop) feel a little clunky, and it can take a few extra clicks to get to things like bonus info or your bet history.

Speed

If there's one thing I'll give to Sportpesa, it's the speed at which their site loads. It almost felt like I was having a race with the way the pages load so fast. I clocked the speed, and I discovered that some pages load between in two seconds if the network connection is good. 

This is due to the website being lightweight with fewer images to load. The speed was perfect for live betting, which is quite great! 

Now you're probably wondering why I said the website simplicity is both a strength and limitation. Well, some users like their bookie designed in a colourful way (I have a friend who wants it colourful). It makes it look attractive and full of life. These categories of users may find the Sportpesa design boring. For me, I prefer it the way it is as it aids speed.

SportPesa Mobile App

SportPesa knows its audience, and the mobile app reflects that. Frankly, in terms of specialising apps for different reasons, Sportpesa is one of the best in Africa, if not the best. 

The app is available for both Android and iOS, but that's not the most exciting thing. It's divided into three! What are they? 

• The sports app (for sports betting)
• The casino app (for casino gaming)
• The score app (for live updates on matches)

Essentially, while many other platforms offer a single app that performs every function, Sportpesa offers different apps for each function. This aids focus as well as helping the platform track improvement points much easily. 

On the downside, it appears clunky if users have to download three apps just to game on one Sportsbook. 

How to Download?

Downloading the app is very easy and can be completed in minutes. I won't get into the details here, but I have compiled every information on this in a separate page. 

👉 Click here to read our detailed SportPesa App Download guide.

Note 

The sports betting app, casino app and live score app are available for download if you're in regions where Sportpesa doesn't have a local license. Just choose “Global.” Sometimes, it may not show up, just try it a few times. Sportpesa South Africa only has the sports app and score app at the moment. 

App Store Ratings?

Sportpesa’s app has good ratings in the Android sphere, with users rating it a solid 4.8 out of 5. In the iOS sphere, the ratings are terrible, with users rating it a measly 2.0 out of 5. 

However, the iOS ratings shouldn't deter you as it was rated by less than one thousand users at this time. Also, some of the complaints of these users are the gambling addiction engulfing their youth, which cannot be entirely blamed on Sportpesa. 
 

Verdict 📝: If you're on Android or iOS, you get an app that gets the job done, and does it fast. I'll ask you not to expect bells and whistles like advanced features from the app. But one thing is clear: the app is very easy to download. 

Sportpesa Payment Methods

I advocate for multiple payment options because it makes life easier for gamers. For one, I'm glad Sportpesa thinks the same. The bookmaker offers localised deposit and withdrawal options tailored to each country it operates in. 

These include mobile money, digital payments, and the like. Are you betting from Kenya, Tanzania, or South Africa? Worry not! Sportpesa prioritises easy, fast, and mobile-first transactions. Let's take a closer look at how Sportpesa payments work in your location:

Kenya

• Deposit & Withdrawal: M-Pesa and Airtel Money 
• Paybill Number: 955100 or 5212121. 
• Minimum Deposit: Ksh 50
• Processing Time: Deposits are usually instant; withdrawals can take up to 10 minutes
• Fees: Standard mobile money fees, and Sportpesa doesn’t charge extra. 
• Common Issues: Some users report occasional delays with withdrawals during peak times
• Local Highlight: Mobile-first platform. No need for bank cards or paperwork

Tanzania

• Deposit & Withdrawal: Vodacom, Airtel Money, Tigo Pesa, Halopesa.
• Paybill Number: 150888
• Minimum Deposit: Not officially stated, but most mobile platforms allow TZS 1,000+
• Processing Time: Mobile wallet withdrawals are typically processed within 24 hours
• Fees: Mobile money providers may apply standard transaction fees. No extra charge from Sportpesa. 
• Local Highlight: Fully integrated with all major mobile money platforms in Tanzania

South Africa

• Deposit & Withdrawal: EFT (InstantEFT), 1Voucher, E-wallets, bank cards
• Minimum Deposit: R10
• Processing Time: EFT and eWallet withdrawals are processed within 24–48 hours
• Fees: No Sportpesa fees, but banking partners may charge
• Local Highlight: FICA compliance required before making withdrawals

Summary Table

Key To Note 📌: Immediately you open your Sportpesa account, you get two different accounts. 

• One for sports betting funds.
• Another for casino gaming funds. 

Depending on how you want to split your funds, you can transfer your deposit into any of the accounts. That is, if you have 1,000 Kes for gaming, you can choose to deposit 700 Kes into the Sports Betting account, and 300 Kes into the casino gaming account. 

Final Thoughts

Sportpesa clearly understands the African market. Its mobile money integration in Kenya and Tanzania makes it easy for local punters to deposit and withdraw without stress. In South Africa, the experience is more banking-driven but still smooth if you're familiar with EFT and vouchers.

All in all, Sportpesa impressed me with their localised and multiple payment options. I also liked the different accounts for different purposes. Nothing out of the blue, but at least standard.

Sportpesa offers solid betting options that would satisfy every category of punters, including casuals and veterans. The platform covers all the classic formats; 

• singles
• accumulators
• and system bets

That said, I expected bells and whistles like bet builders on Sportpesa. Unfortunately, I didn't find any. There are customisable markets though. 

Let's take short explanations on the betting options I mentioned earlier;

Single Bets

These are your basic bets: pick one outcome, and if you’re right, you win. For example, a straight win on Manchester City to beat Chelsea at 1.90 odds.

Accumulator Bets (ACCA)

You can stack multiple selections into one bet for higher returns. The more selections you add, the bigger the potential payout, but the risk increases too. I saw a combo bet recently: PSG to win + Atletico to win with combined odds of 4.10.

System Bets

Sportpesa offers system bets (like Trixie), but they’re not well promoted on the site. These are better suited to advanced users who want to cover multiple outcomes across several events.

To be honest, this is industry standard, and I wouldn't expect less from any bookmaker, let alone a large one such as Sportpesa. 

The Odds On Sportpesa

The odds determine how much you make on a winning bet, so I do not take it for granted. After all, our primary aim here on Betting Tips Africa is to help you win more. 

In the odds court, Sportpesa disappointed with low odds, higher margins, and low payout rates. To prove Sportpesa's not-so-good odds quality, I put it to the test against that of 22Bet and 1xbet. 

Let’s break down the odds margin and payout rate calculation together: 

• Tournament: FIFA Club World Cup 
• Teams: Paris St Germain Vs Atletico Madrid
• Match Date: 15/06/25
• Odds Collection Date: 13/06/25 (Over 48 hours before Kickoff)

Result! 

How I calculated the payout rate:

I took the implied probability for each outcome, summed them, and divided them by 100. The closer the result is to 100%, the better value for you. 

So, what does the above information mean for you?

• Sportpesa does not offer better value than the other bookmakers compared.
• 1xBet offers outstanding odds on the FIFA Club World Cup, edging out with great odds. 
• Sportpesa's odds are slightly closer to that offered by 22Bet. Even then, it still loses in terms of margin and payout rate. 

Verdict 📝: Sportpesa gives slightly decent value but definitely not top-class for you. They're charging you fairly high for staking your bets with them. I definitely do not recommend 🚫. 

Personally, I love having tens of sports to bet on at my disposal. A large collection of sports enable users to have the freedom and versatility to explore other sports in search of enjoyment or wins. For Sportpesa, it seems streamlining is the watchword in this regard. 

The bookmaker offers just 14 sports for punters to spread their bets on. Really disappointing if you ask me. On the brighter side, it's moderate and keeps the focus for some punters. Judging that football is also the main focus, I'd say that some users would love Sportpesa this way. 
 

So, what sports are available on Sportpesa? Check them out below 👇;

• Football
• eFootball
• Basketball
• Tennis
• Table Tennis
• Rugby
• Boxing
• MMA
• Ice Hockey
• Volleyball
• Handball
• Cricket
• Baseball
• American Football 

In terms of localised sports coverage, Sportpesa offers the;

• South Africa (South African PSL) 
• Kenya (Kenya Premier League). There's also the!
• AFCON
• CAF Champions League

Unfortunately, Tanzanians won't be able to bet on their local leagues on Sportpesa at the moment. 

Verdict 📝: Sportpesa focuses on what African bettors care about, which is football, basketball, and local leagues. While the platform won’t blow you away with obscure sports like floorball or Gaelic hurling, it delivers where it matters most.

Football Betting On Sportpesa

Football betting is the heartbeat of Sportpesa, and it's clear they’ve built their entire sportsbook experience around it. There's a lot to like in the football betting section, with cool features on show. These include;

• Layout preferences: Choose a display between single and multiple markets to enable you to pick your odds the way you like it. 
• Print Fixtures: You can request a print out of the available fixtures from sections like highlights, popular games, top 5 leagues, upcoming games etc. The printout will be sent to you in a PDF format, with up to 240 different matches included. 
• SMS Betting: You can place quick bets on any football match with Sportpesa's SMS betting. I will explain more of this in the latter part of this review. 

Competitions Covered

Sportpesa offers a wide range of domestic, continental, and international football markets, including:

• Top European Leagues: English Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, Ligue 1
• Continental Tournaments: UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League
• International Football: FIFA World Cup, AFCON, UEFA Nations League, FIFA Club World Cup. 
• Local African Leagues:
  • Kenya Premier League (KPL)
  • South African Premier Soccer League (PSL)
  • CAF Champions League & Confederation Cup

They also cover youth, women's football, and reserve leagues, which adds depth for serious punters.

Special Promos & Features

While Sportpesa doesn’t bombard you with bonuses like some competitors, they often roll out targeted football promos, such as:

• Boosted odds on popular fixtures, especially derbies. 
• Accumulator boosts where the more teams you add, the higher your bonus win percentage.

Tip 💡: The fixtures with boosted odds have it boldly written on them in orange colour with this icon ⚡ 

Market Variety

You’re not limited to just 1X2 or Over/Under bets. Sportpesa offers a decent range of football betting markets, including:

• Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
• Double Chance
• Correct Score
• First Goal Scorer
• Half-Time/Full-Time
• Draw No Bet
• Combo Markets (e.g., “Team A to Win + Over 2.5”) and many more! 
   

Verdict 📝: Sportpesa might not have the flashiest football platform, but it nails the fundamentals. With some innovative features listed above, it's definitely something to keep you at the edge of your seat. It offers coverage of African leagues and occasional local promos. 

Bottom line, a solid option for football-first punters in Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa.

Live Betting On Sportpesa

Sportpesa’s live betting feature is a core part of its sportsbook offering. But, to be real, it’s a bit of a mixed bag, and I was left unimpressed. 

If you’re looking for basic in-play action, it gets the job done. But if you want deep interactivity, in-depth sports variety, or flashy extras like live streaming, you might find it a little underwhelming.

For context, I only saw three sports available for live betting; football, basketball, and tennis. This isn't up to standard, and I hope they fix this fast. Also, there was no live streaming, which is a bit surprising, given that Sportpesa is not a new kid on the block. 

It's not all doom and gloom though! I found some interesting features you'll like on Sportpesa's live betting hub. Let's check them out below ;

• Live Match Tracker: Available on most football games, with real-time data like possession, cards, goals, and corners. It is powered by Sportradar, which is a huge plus. 
• Cash Out: Offered on most markets, including multis. Although the timing and value can be unpredictable.

Is Sportpesa's Odd Update Fast?

During testing, I found that the odds refresh quickly. Generally, within 3–4 seconds for top football matches. 

There’s a color-coded system that flashes when odds increase or decrease, which helps you spot shifts in momentum fast.

However, in lower-tier matches (e.g., youth games or minor African leagues), the update lag was more noticeable. It took around 5 to 8 seconds on average. Still usable, but not ideal if you're trying to cash in on momentum swings. 

So, how did I arrive at my analysis?

I bet on a live Japan J3 League game between AC Nagano Parceiro Vs FC Gifu. After K. Kai scored the opening goal in two minutes, I staked on Nagano to score the next goal at 2.85 odds. 

The odds fluctuated every 30 seconds depending on field position and attacking pressure, and K. Fujikawa scored the equaliser for Nagano in the 18th minute. Boom! I got my win within two minutes after confirmation. It’s a functional experience, but definitely built more for casual punters than sharp in-play traders.

Customer Support

An efficient customer support is essential to the smooth running of any bookmaker. In this regard, Sportpesa claims to offer responsive customer support, and for the most part, they back it up. 

However, like many African bookmakers, your experience depends heavily on which channel you use and when you reach out.

To give you a real taste of what to expect, I tested several support options across Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. Here's how it went.

Live Chat (Tested on Tanzanian site)

Time tested: 2:14 PM on a Tuesday

Query: “I didn’t receive my deposit after 1 hour of topping up 5,000 TZS.” Here are the steps it took;

• I was asked to provide my number and email. 
• After a few seconds, I was shown the number of agents available online 
• I clicked on start conversation, and I was hooked up with an agent. 
• Within 4 minutes, the agent clarified that the money didn't go through, and I should check with the payment provider I used. 

Although I only made up that complaint, the tone was polite, and the agent seemed well-trained. No copy-paste bot behavior.

Email Support (Tested on South Africa site)

Address used: support@sportpesa.co.za

Query: “How do I verify my FICA documents?”

I got an automated response instantly confirming receipt. The actual human response came 10 hours later (the next morning), explaining the upload process and listing accepted documents. Not lightning-fast, but detailed and useful.

Phone Support (Tested on Kenya site)

Number dialed: 0709 079 079 (listed on the Kenyan site)

Time: 9:30 AM Wednesday

I got through in under two minutes, spoke to a real human, and asked how to reverse a bet mistakenly placed twice. The agent explained that bets can't be canceled once placed, but advised I use “cash out” if available. Response was honest, clear and really helpful. 

Here's a table of how to contact Sportpesa from your location 

Verdict 📝: If you're in Kenya, Tanzania, or South Africa, phone and live chat are your best bets for getting quick, helpful service. Email and social media lag behind, so use those only for non-urgent stuff.

Note 📌: The customer support works 24/7, which means you get prompt help at any time of the day. Really good!

SportPesa Casino Games

Sportpesa isn’t just about sports. The platform has a solid casino arm too, offering anyone a quick game between bets or a full-on casino session. It's handy, exciting, and provides real excitement alongside the chance to make money. There's a nice variety of games in Sportpesa's casino, which include;

• Slots & Jackpots: Over 1,000 titles, including popular picks like Sweet Bonanza, Book of Dead, progressive hit Mega Moolah, and thematic classics.  
   
• Table Games & Video Poker: Blackjack, European/American/French Roulette, Baccarat, Keno, Craps, classic video poker styles like Jacks or Better.
   
• Live Casino: 20+ live-dealer tables powered by Evolution and BetSoft. You've got roulette, blackjack, baccarat, game-show style offerings like Dream Catcher and Sweet Bonanza Candyland.  
   
• Crash & Virtual Games: Quick, thrilling games like Aviator and a roster of virtual sports (football, racing, trotting, etc.) offer fast-paced options between traditional betting.  

Highlights You’ll Love

• Top Providers on Display: Titles from Microgaming, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Evolution, Play’n Go, and more ensure slick quality and diverse options.  
• Cross-Platform Access: Seamless play on desktop or mobile (via app or browser), so you can hit the casino floor from anywhere.  
• Casino-specific accounts: There's a separate account you can deposit your funds meant for casino gaming. This way, you can track your casino funds separately from your sports betting funds. 
• Casino-Specific Bonuses: There are casino-only promos, but not the usual ones like deposit bonuses or loyalty offers. These bonuses are given once in a while, so you have to be alert. 

Sportpesa Low Data Casino Games

One of the smartest features on Sportpesa’s platform for African users is its Low Data Casino Games section. It’s a lifesaver when you want to play without draining your data or waiting on slow connections. To be honest, I love this feature, it saves money! 

Sportpesa groups its lightweight casino games under this tab. These games are optimised to use minimal bandwidth while still delivering solid gameplay. Graphics are stripped down a bit, but not in a way that ruins the fun.

Game Types Available

• Low-data slots: Simplified versions of classic slots that load fast and spin smoothly on 3G/4G.
• Mini Roulette, Baccarat, and Blackjack: Table games with reduced animation to save data while keeping the core mechanics.
• Instant Win Games: Scratchcards and fast-play numbers games that are light on graphics, heavy on speed.

Why Do I Love This Feature?

Most punters in Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa rely on mobile internet. But not everyone has Wi-Fi or can afford large data bundles. This section ensures users don’t miss out on casino action just because of slow networks or limited data. Feeling the excitement? Here's how to get it:

• Log in to your Sportpesa account.
• Go to the Casino section.
• Tap the “Low Data” filter or look under "Casino by Data Usage".

Sportpesa SMS Betting

Sometimes, you just want to bet without opening a browser or using an app. Sounds impossible? Well, it's not, as Sportpesa’s SMS betting service provides that. For users in Kenya and Tanzania who rely on USSD, basic phones or can't afford data plans, this feature is perfect. 

So, how does it work? 

This feature allows you to register and place bets via SMS using shortcodes. Once your account is set up and funded, you can bet on live or upcoming matches, check your balance, and even withdraw without the internet.

Sportpesa SMS Betting in Kenya

• Shortcode: 79079
• Example SMS: 2312#1#100 (2312=GAME ID, 1=Home win, KSH100=Bet amount)

Sportpesa SMS Betting in Tanzania

• Shortcode: 15888
• Example SMS: 2312#1#2000 (2312=GAME ID, 1=Home win, TZS2000=Bet amount)
   

Pros of Using SMS Betting

• Doesn’t require internet or a smartphone.
• Quick bets even on a feature phone.
• Withdraw directly to mobile money accounts.
• Great for older users or punters in rural areas.

Note:

• You must have an active account and sufficient balance.
• Not all bet types (like combo or system bets) are supported via SMS.
• Results and confirmations come in via text.

Responsible Gambling Tools

SportPesa offers solid responsible gambling tools to help you stay in control of your betting. Right from your account dashboard, you can access Deposit Limits, which lets you set a weekly cap on how much you can deposit. If you ever choose to disable or increase this limit, there’s a 24-hour delay before the change takes effect. That small wait time is a smart way to curb impulsive decisions.

You’ll also find a Self-Exclusion option. You can select a specific exclusion period and state your reason. During this time, your account will be restricted, and you won’t be able to place bets or make deposits.

These tools are easy to access under the "Transaction History" or "My Account" section. If you're starting to feel like betting isn’t fun anymore, SportPesa gives you simple ways to step back without needing to contact support.

Need more help? You can also reach out via their live chat or visit external resources like GamCare or BeGambleAware for additional support.

Is Sportpesa Legit?

Yes, Sportpesa is 100% legit. The bookmaker is licensed, regulated, and widely recognised across several African countries. Sportpesa holds official betting licenses in multiple countries:

• Kenya: Licensed by the Betting Control and Licensing Board 
• Tanzania: Regulated by the Gaming Board of Tanzania
• South Africa: Operates under a license issued by the National Gambling Board and the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board.

Each of these regulators requires strict compliance with financial transparency, fair gaming rules, and responsible gambling policies.

In terms of protection, Sportpesa protects your activities on the platform through:

• SSL encryption to safeguard data and transactions
• Know Your Customer (KYC) verification to prevent identity fraud and underage betting
• Age restrictions: Only users 18+ can register

Personally, I trust Sportpesa, and there are no major scam reports or unresolved controversies linked to the brand in its current operations. While it did face temporary regulatory battles in Kenya around 2019, the issues were related to tax disputes, not fraud or customer mistreatment. With this, my trust factor in Sportpesa is high. 

SportPesa is a decent platform, especially if you’re someone who values simplicity, localised payment options, and solid coverage of football betting. The site is clean, responsive, and does a good job supporting local leagues and mobile payments across countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. If you're new to betting and just want a sportsbook that’s easy to navigate, it does the job.

That said, SportPesa struggles when compared side-by-side with the continent's top-tier bookmakers. The lack of a compelling welcome bonus, fewer regular promotions, average odds hold it back. Live betting works, but it doesn’t match the speed or visual appeal of platforms like Betway or 1xBet.

For punters looking for better bonuses, more betting variety, and a larger sportsbook catalogue, both Betway and 1xBet are better-equipped alternatives. 

Betway brings a high-end user experience, live streaming, and frequent boosts. On the other hand, 1xBet gives you one of the deepest sportsbooks globally, paired with regular offers like the 300% deposit bonus and niche bet types you won’t find on SportPesa.

Bottom line?
SportPesa is safe and functional, but if you’re chasing bigger wins, bolder markets, and real value, then you’re better off with Betway or 1xBet.