Shabiki's director Brian Ondiso discusses ethical betting, corporate social responsibility, and future growth strategies
Shabiki, a popular sports gaming platform in Kenya, is making strides in its expansion plans, focusing on African markets with mature regulatory frameworks. The company, known for its innovative gaming products and commitment to responsible gaming, community development, and regulatory compliance, is currently exploring opportunities in West Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda [1].
In Kenya, Shabiki offers a wide variety of casino games, with an emphasis on aviator and crash games, and provides significant bonuses such as a 1000% accumulator bonus [4][5]. The company's commitment to responsible gaming is evident in its implementation of deposit limits, self-exclusion options, inactivity reminders, and transaction summaries to ensure customer protection and regulatory compliance [2].
The regulatory environment remains a significant factor shaping the industry's strategies. In Kenya, the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) is urging licensed operators to contribute meaningfully to society as corporate social responsibility (CSR) becomes an increasingly important pillar of the gaming industry [3].
While specific details about Shabiki's community development programs are not publicly available, in highly regulated markets like Kenya, operators typically contribute through licensing fees, taxes, and sometimes CSR initiatives mandated or encouraged by regulators to foster community benefits. For instance, Shabiki has been actively involved in CSR initiatives, such as delivering water tanks to drought-hit areas, building tanks in schools, paying school fees for needy students, and distributing sanitary towels in Wajir County [6].
Regarding responsible gambling, the mature regulatory environment in Kenya ensures that licensed operators follow legal guidelines that promote safe gaming practices and protect consumers [4]. The BCLB recently banned the use of influencers and celebrities in gambling marketing, which affected Shabiki as they were beginning to test that approach [7]. In response, Shabiki has decided to focus more on direct customer engagement, compliant digital platforms, and traditional media like TV and radio.
Brian Ondiso, Product Team Lead at Shabiki, emphasizes the importance of entertaining while protecting customers and stresses that such measures are essential for sustainable operations [8]. He also believes that businesses making profits should give back to their communities [9].
In conclusion, Shabiki is expanding or solidifying its presence in African markets with mature regulatory regimes, such as Kenya, by offering diverse gaming products and competitive bonuses [4][5]. The company presumably aligns with responsible gambling frameworks prevalent in these markets, which emphasize player protection and responsible gaming education [2][3]. Specific details on Shabiki’s community development programs are not publicly available but may be part of compliance with local regulations and industry norms.
[1] Shabiki eyes West Africa, Tanzania, Uganda expansion (Business Daily Africa) [2] Shabiki implements responsible gaming measures (Capital FM) [3] BCLB urges licensed operators to contribute to society (Nation Media Group) [4] Shabiki's expansion plans in Kenya (Techweez) [5] Shabiki offers 1000% accumulator bonus (Tuko) [6] Shabiki's CSR initiatives in Kenya (The Star) [7] BCLB bans influencer marketing in gambling (Daily Nation) [8] Brian Ondiso on Shabiki's commitment to responsible gaming (The Standard) [9] Brian Ondiso on corporate responsibility (Business Daily Africa)
