NAIROBI, Kenya December 15 – Local sports fans are in for a treat with the launch of the country’s first ultramodern Sports Gaming Company.
Gaming International was officially opened Thursday giving a chance to sports fans to bet on a wide range of local and international sports including football, Tennis, Boxing and Cricket.
Speaking at the launch Gaming International CEO Simon Mpanga said a total of $3.5 million has been spent in creating a national network.
“We are bringing to Kenya much more than just the 3.5 million dollars. We are bringing to Kenya entertainment so that people can have much more enjoyment than just the favorite team or club winning a game.
Our investments have been guided greatly by the East African Common Market protocol that has made it easier to conduct business,” said Mpanga.
Gaming International has laid out a plan for its investments and will be setting up similar gaming halls in various major towns in Kenya – Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret within the next six months.
“We hope we can meet likeminded investors who can set up our outlets independently. We are also open to franchise out our operations to Kenyan investors,” said Mpanga.
With the entry of the huge gaming experience, Mpanga added that employment will be provided across the various centers around the country.
“We are bringing to the republic of Kenya jobs and job opportunities directly and indirectly through our gaming centers,” he said.
Mpanga went on to confirm this will be an experience that is already enjoyed around the world and will be based on your knowledge of a particular sport and not chance.
“These are not games based purely on chance; they are partly based on skill. If you place your bets on Manchester United to win against Wigan that is a choice you make. It’s a calculated choice,” said Mpanga.
In attendance and guest of honor was the Sports Commissioner Gordon Oluoch who reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the initiative.
“I have checked with the office of the Vice President and the Betting Control and Licensing Board and I’m reliably assured that Gaming International has followed the Betting Control and Licensing Act for them to be in existence,” said Oluoch.
Local sports fans will be offered a wide range of sports setting disciplines such as local and international football, Formula 1, Boxing, Cricket, Tennis and Basketball.
The gaming facility which also has offices in Uganda, is based at Odeon Cinema building along Tom Mboya Road.