John Matoke, who knew about Odibets through a friend, placed his bets that entailed draws just before the weekend games.

The office administrator who is an ardent soccer betting fan went on to explain how he was overwhelmed with joy his congratulatory message on his win from Odibets. John who placed his bet via SMS said that he intends to build a house with his winnings and also help better the lives of his family.

Early this month, it was a dream come true for one John Githaiga after he won Sh505,692 on Odibets after placing an 11-team multi-bet prediction that sailed through. A jovial Githaiga mentioned that he had predicted over 2.5 goals for all the eleven matches in his bet slip.

Odibets is one of the leading sports betting companies in Kenya. The company boasts off high odds and good user experience for punters in the various markets found in their betting platforms.

How to create an OdiBets Account
1. Open your web browser and type in: OdiBets.com.
2. When the Odibets page appears, click on “SIGN UP”.
3. Enter your number and chosen password of six or more characters then select ‘Create User’ to get a PIN via sms.
4. Enter the PIN and your account will be activated.
Note: select a password you will remember because it’s the one you will use whenever you want to visit odibets.com

How do I log into Odibets?
1. Open your web browser and type in: OdiBets.com.
2. When the OdiBets page appears click on login.
3. Enter your number and password to proceed to your account.
4. Select the sports option on the menu, let’s say football and place your bet.

How to bet via sms on OdiBets
1. One needs to place their bets in this format; GAMEID#PICK#AMOUNT
Example: GAMEID 40001 Man United vs Arsenal ODDS (1=2.99 X=3.52 2=2.99)
To bet on this match, SMS 40001#1#200 to 29680
In order for one to Place a Multi Bet via sms
1. One needs to place their bet in this format; GAMEID#PICK#GAMEID#PICK#AMOUNT.
Example: GAMEID 40001 Man United vs Arsenal ODDS (1=2.99 X=3.52 2=2.99)
GAMEID 40002 Mathare United vs Kakamega Homeboys ODDS (1=2.99 X=3.52 2=2.99)
To bet on this match, SMS 40001#1#40002#X#50 to 29680
Odibets offers a number of ways to bet but sms doesn’t need a lot of data. You can also prepare bets long in advance with SMS compared to online betting.

How to check your Bets & Account Statements
1. Open your web browser and type in: OdiBets.com.
2. When the Odibets page appears click on login.
3. Enter your number and password to access your account.
4. Click ‘Menu’ top right.
5. Click on ‘My Bets’.
6. When the page appears, you will see ‘Open Bets’ and ‘Settled bets’
Note: Clicking on ‘Bet History’ lists every account transaction: deposits, withdrawals, bets and payouts.

Forgotten your password?
1. Open your web browser and type in: OdiBets.com
2. When the Odibets page appears click on login.
3. Enter your phone number and click on ‘forgot password’
4. You will receive an sms with a reset PIN
5. Enter the PIN and choose your new password.

How to deposit using M-PESA
1. Go to the DEPOSIT tab on Odibets.com and enter the amount you wish to deposit.
2. You will receive a pop up notification on your phone asking you to confirm Mpesa payment of the amount you intend to deposit to ODIBETS.
You can also:
1. Go to M-PESA Menu on your mobile phone
2. Select Lipa na M-PESA
3. Select Pay Bill
4. Enter 290680 as the Business Number
5. Enter ODI as ACCOUNT NUMBER but you can leave and blank and proceed
6. Enter the amount to pay (NO COMMAS) e.g 200
7. Enter your M-PESA PIN and send
8. You will receive an SMS confirming the transaction
______
How to request for a withdrawal
Via sms

1. Send an sms “W#Amount” to 29680 using the phone number associated with your account.

You can also:
1. Open your web browser and type in: OdiBets.com.
2. Select login.
3. Enter your number and password to access your account.
4. Select ‘Menu’ top left.
5. Select ‘Withdrawal’.
6. If requested, enter your first and last names in the fields provided.
7. Enter the amount you wish to withdraw (minimum 200/=).
8. Select ‘Request Withdrawal’.

Giant betting firms SportPesa and Betin registered a major win in court after successfully appealing the 20 per cent tax cut.
The Tax Appeals Tribunal has since ruled that only the net winnings should be subjected to the 20 per cent cut, currently deducted from total winnings, in a case that was filed by the two.
The ruling will shield gamblers’ stake from being deducted by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
KRA has been deducting the percentage from all the winnings.
Initially, if one placed a Sh500 bet on a game with an odd of 5, and successfully won the bet, all his Sh2,500 return would be subjected to the taxation, leaving him with only Sh2000.
But the tribunal ruled that only the amount won should be taxed, meaning that the same person will have only Sh2000 taxed, excluding the Sh500 stake placed.
Some betting companies which are in business have started implementing this rule, while the two giants remain outside the market after they were locked out.
SportPesa and Betin have been locked off operations in Kenya over a tax row with KRA, and have closed business