How to Register a SportPesa Account Kenya (2026)

Gambling is for adults aged 18+ only.

Only play with money you can afford to lose. paybillke lists operators that hold a current GRA licence at the time of verification. Confirm on gra.go.ke before depositing. If gambling is becoming a problem, support is available. Call the GRA helpline on 0800 222 333.

To register a SportPesa account, dial *955# on Safaricom or visit sportpesa.com/register. Enter a password and your ID number for KYC. Registration is free. You must be 18+ and a Kenyan resident.

SportPesa is licensed by Kenya's Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) under the Gambling Control Act 2025 (which replaced BCLB). Every registration flow ends in a KYC step because the operator must verify identity before any withdrawal.

Two ways to register

Route	Where	Needs data?
USSD	Dial `*955#` on Safaricom	No
Browser	sportpesa.com/register	Yes

Route 1: USSD (no data, feature phone friendly)

Dial *955# on your Safaricom line.
Select the Register option.
Confirm your date of birth (18+).
Set a password.
Enter your Kenyan National ID number.
Confirm. You get an SMS confirming account creation.

Route 2: Browser at sportpesa.com/register

Open sportpesa.com/register.
Type your Safaricom number (0723456789 format).
Receive an OTP by SMS. Enter it.
Set a password. Avoid reusing your M-PESA PIN.
Confirm 18+ and accept the terms.
Enter your National ID number for KYC.
Submit. You are logged in.

Complete KYC before your first withdrawal

SportPesa requires KYC verification before it will process withdrawals to M-PESA. Do this in advance so it does not stall a withdrawal later.

Log into sportpesa.com.
Go to My Account, then Verification.
Upload a clear photo of the front and back of your Kenyan National ID (or a passport bio page).
Upload a selfie holding the ID next to your face, ID text legible.
Submit. SportPesa clears most uploads within 24 hours.

Before your first deposit, set a limit

SportPesa provides in-account Responsible Gaming controls. Set a daily, weekly, or monthly deposit cap that reflects what you can comfortably treat as entertainment spending, and stay within it. Raising a limit triggers a 24 to 72 hour cooling-off window under GRA rules. For warning signs, helplines, and self-exclusion paths, see our responsible gambling guide.

FAQ

How long does SportPesa registration take?

Under 2 minutes end-to-end on Safaricom USSD or the web: phone number, OTP, password, 18+ confirmation, ID number. KYC document upload can be done later, but is required before your first withdrawal.

Do I need a Safaricom number specifically?

Yes. SportPesa Kenya is a Kenya-only service and USSD registration on *955# authenticates the SIM via Safaricom. Web registration also requires a phone number that can receive an SMS OTP; a Safaricom line is the standard route.

Do I have to be Kenyan to register on SportPesa?

You must be a Kenya resident and 18 or older. SportPesa's licence with the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) is for the Kenyan market. Foreign visitors on a Kenyan SIM may complete registration technically, but withdrawals require KYC that matches a Kenyan-issued National ID or Passport.

What is the minimum age to open a SportPesa account?

18 years. This is a statutory requirement under Kenya's Gambling Control Act 2025 (replacing the Betting Control Act). SportPesa asks you to confirm your date of birth at signup and cross-checks it against your ID during KYC.

Is there a registration fee?

No. Opening a SportPesa account is free. There is no signup fee, no monthly account fee. M-PESA charges its standard paybill fee on deposits, and the Finance Act 2025 excise (5% on deposits and 5% on withdrawals) applies once you transact.

What if I already had a SportPesa account but forgot the password?

Do not register again with the same number, it will fail as "already exists". Instead, use Forgot Password on sportpesa.com/login to reset the password on your existing account. See our SportPesa login help guide for the full reset flow.

What do I need to complete KYC?

A clear photo of the front and back of your Kenyan National ID (or a passport bio page), plus a selfie holding the ID next to your face. Upload via sportpesa.com after registration. SportPesa clears most KYC uploads within 24 hours.

Source: SportPesa Kenya official signup channels (sportpesa.com/register, *955# USSD on Safaricom) and the Kenya Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA). Verified 30 August 2026.