NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 10 – A leading Canadian company that deals with gaming technology and solution provision has entered into the African market and opened its first office in Kenya.
Amaya which is listed on Toronto Stock Exchange engages in design development manufacture and sale of technology-based gaming solutions like lotteries and casinos.
The company which boasts operations in 13 countries across five continents says it will revolutionise the gaming industry in Kenya which has been bogged by controversies.
Amaya\’s Vice President in-charge Government Projects Benjamin Ahdoot assured Kenyans that theirs is a credible and accountable business in contrast to other similar businesses.
"Amaya has provided the Government of Kenya an irrevocable financial facility to address its obligation to meet the terms of its licence, including the requirement to distribute the prize pool in a timely and efficient manner," Mr Ahdoot said.
"Amaya has adopted a fully transparent open book policy providing complete access to all its accounting and operating records to Kenyan authorities."
Unlike other firms whose licences are limited to three months, Amaya\’s licence is renewable on an annual basis subject to compliance with its terms.
"Our commitment to the Republic of Kenya is demonstrated by our significant long-term investments in Kenya, including but not limited to capital, IT, employment and execution of a long-term lease in Nairobi for premises situated at the I&M Bank tower," Mr Ahdoot emphasised.
The Government has already granted the Canadian firm permit to operate a 6/48 lotto game and instant scratch card lotteries.
Amaya anticipates that the nation-wide lottery will be operational by the second quarter of 2011.
The Chairman of the Betting Control and Licensing Board of Kenya Lucas Maitha while granting the firm the licence said the board is confident that Amaya will benefit Kenyans.
"The background and due diligence investigations of Amaya revealed that it is a credible company that is worthy of the license granted to it to operate a full scale lottery in Kenya. We have full confidence in Amaya and are assured of its competence as well as its commitment to the utmost adherence to Kenyan law and regulatory standards," Mr Maitha said.
According to the company, more than 50 percent of the proceeds of the lottery will go to benefit the country either through taxes, charity and prizes.
"We promise to alleviate poverty and support charity through genuine and transparent processes,"
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