BetLion Review

About BetLion and 888Africa

BetLion is owned by 888Africa after its purchase in 2023. At the time of the acquisition, the brand already had over 3 million registered customers. In Kenya, the site is operated by Zumandu Limited, and in Zambia, it is managed by Farthing Zambia Sports Betting Limited. Both are licensed locally and run their own region-specific platforms that accept local currencies and support local payment options.

In terms of market positioning, BetLion, under 888Africa, targets mobile-first bettors in regulated African markets. Its platform is built for fast access and low data usage, which suits regions with unstable internet. It focuses on simple, region-specific betting and gaming products with local payment systems and language support.

The brand does not publish an ESG or sustainability report, but its platforms include responsible gambling tools such as deposit limits, self-exclusion, and links to support organizations. These show that the company promotes safe betting even without formal ESG disclosures.

Marketing efforts are highly localized. 888Africa promotes BetLion through community partnerships, sports sponsorships, and mobile-focused campaigns.

Where You Can Bet with Betlion

BetLion currently operates in only two local markets, Kenya and Zambia. The map below shows where the brand is active and where it is not available.

BetLion Kenya

In Kenya, BetLion is run by Zumandu Limited. It is licensed and regulated by the Betting Control and Licensing Board of Kenya under licenses 000712 and 000435. The Kenyan version has its own dedicated website, accepts transactions in Kenyan shillings, and supports local payment methods, such as M-Pesa and Airtel Money.

BetLion Zambia

Betting Control and Licensing Board Of Zambia

Company name Farthing Zambia Sports Betting ltd

• Status Active

In Zambia, BetLion is managed by Farthing Zambia Sports Betting Limited. It is licensed by the Zambian Betting Control and Licensing Board. The Zambian site is built specifically for local users, allowing deposits and withdrawals in Zambian kwacha through MTN MoMo and Airtel.

Regulatory Track Records

BetLion has not faced any major regulatory fines, warnings, or public disputes in recent years. The only known controversy is the 2019 case in Kenya when BetLion began deducting 20% from bettors’ winnings, even after a court order had restrained such deductions. The company later complied with tax directives and adjusted its approach.

BetLion Website & Account Info

The BetLion website is basic but well-organized. The header gives direct access to the main sections, so you can move between sports, live betting, and casino games without scrolling around. There are two sidebars on the homepage. The left one lists all available sports markets, and the most popular leagues appear at the top, which saves time when searching for trending matches. You can also customize what sports appear by clicking to show or hide them.

A search box helps you find specific teams, matches, or events, and the site also includes filters to narrow down your options. You can filter upcoming events by time, such as 3 hours, 24 hours, 72 hours, or all days, and even sort markets based on odds range. This setup helps you find matches that align with your interests or schedule more quickly.

The only drawback is that the two sidebars cannot be minimized, which can make the page look crowded, especially on smaller screens.

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Payment Options

BetLion offers limited banking methods, primarily focusing on local options available in each region. In Kenya, you can deposit and withdraw using Safaricom M-Pesa and Airtel Money. In Zambia, the supported options are MTN MoMo and Airtel. The minimum deposit is 1 KSh for Kenya and ZMW 1 for Zambia, with withdrawals starting from 50 KSh and ZMW 2, respectively.

The transaction fee depends on the amount you’re sending or receiving, as the charges are tied to each mobile money provider’s rates. BetLion also provides a helpful step-by-step guide that shows how to use each payment method for deposits and withdrawals.

BetLion Bonuses and Promotions

BetLion doesn’t have a welcome bonus for new users, but it makes up for it with ongoing promotions that reward regular activity. These bonuses aim to keep betting engaging and give extra value to those who bet often.

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Claim bonus

Near Miss Bonus: The Near Miss Bonus rewards you if you lose an accumulator bet by one leg. You can win up to 50 times your stake, and to qualify, you need a minimum of five selections. There is no minimum or maximum stake, and you can claim this offer as many times as you qualify.

Win Bonus: The Win Bonus gives you up to 1,250% extra cash on your winning accumulator bets. The minimum selection is four, which adds a 17.5% boost to your winnings. The bonus is automatically applied to all eligible accumulator wagers, so there is no need to opt in.

Daily Jackpot: The Daily Jackpot lets you predict outcomes from preselected football matches. You win if all your predictions are correct. There are also smaller prizes for near wins, which give you a chance to earn even if one or two picks go wrong.

VIP Program

BetLion runs a VIP Club by invitation only. Membership relies on account activity, betting volume, and deposit history. The club gives exclusive bonuses, higher withdrawal limits, priority payouts, and dedicated account support. Members also get tailored promotions, occasional cashback, and invites to special events. To be considered, keep regular activity and consistent deposits. You can contact customer support to ask about eligibility or to express interest.

What to Bet on

There are about 13 sports markets on BetLion, though the options differ slightly depending on your region. For example, the Kenyan version includes Athletics. The overall coverage is limited because BetLion focuses mainly on popular traditional sports rather than niche ones.

It features major leagues such as the English Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A, and also includes competitions from over 40 countries, like Bulgaria, Cyprus, France, and the UK. Across these, you can find close to 500 different ways to bet.

If you prefer simple options, there are common bets like 1×2, double chance, and over/under. For those who like more advanced choices, features like bet builder and player props are also available on select events. You can search for markets on each match page, which makes finding your preferred bets direct and quick.

There’s also a stats section where you can check match data before games begin, but this isn’t available for every league or tournament we tested. BetLion doesn’t offer Esports or virtual sports at the moment, so your options are limited to real-world events.

Competitions	Bet Types	Betting Markets	Bet Conditions
EFL Cup	1x2, Correct Score, Double Chance, Draw No Bet, Handicap, Over/Under, Win to Nil	Cards, Corners, Goals, Player Props, Shots on Goal	1st Half, 2nd Half, Both Halves, Either Half, Team 1, Team 2
UFC	Winner	-	-
Europa League	1x2, Both Teams to Score, Correct Score, Double Chance, Double Result, Draw No Bet, Handicap, Over/Under	Goals	Team 1, Team 2
NFL	1x2, Handicap, Over/Under	Goals	Team 1, Team 2

BetLion Live Betting

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BetLion’s live betting features all available sports markets and leagues, regardless of how popular they are. The coverage isn’t very detailed, but the betting variety can reach about 200 options per fixture. You can place bets such as next team to score, total goals, or even use the bet builder for more custom choices.

The main drawback is the lack of real-time data updates, which can make it harder to track the flow of a game. There’s also no live streaming feature, so you can’t watch matches directly on the site as you bet.

Competitions	Live Betting	Live Streaming
Bundesliga
Champions League
Europa League
La Liga
Premier League
Serie A
EFL Cup
FA Cup
Ligue 1
MLS
Scottish Premiership
NBA
MLB
NFL
NHL
UFC
IPL
Formula 1
AFL
Australian Open
French Open
US Open
Wimbledon
PGA Championship
US Open Golf

BetLion Mobile Betting

BetLion is fully mobile-friendly. You can do everything on your phone that you can on the desktop version, including placing bets, managing your account, and making payments. The layout adjusts well to small screens, and navigation stays quick even on slower connections.

BetLion Android App

There’s an Android app for users who prefer betting on the go. It’s lightweight, at about 7 MB, so it downloads fast and runs smoothly even on older phones. The app sends push notifications about ongoing matches and new promotions, keeping you updated in real time. The downside is that it’s not available on the Google Play Store, which can make installation less convenient since you need to download it directly from the BetLion website.

Mobile Web App 

For iOS users, or anyone who doesn’t want to install the Android app, the mobile web app is a good option. It loads quickly and keeps the same layout as the desktop version, so navigation feels familiar. You can add it to your home screen by opening the BetLion site on your browser, tapping the share icon, and selecting “Add to Home Screen.” This gives you instant access with a single tap, just like a native app.

BetLion Odds

BetLion offers close to 500 odds on popular matches, though the number drops for smaller or specialty sports like volleyball. The odds are usually released up to a week in advance. The average margin sits around 5%, which is standard for most online sportsbooks. There are also frequent boosted odds on matches or when you make combo wagers.

One helpful feature is that BetLion shows odds changes in real time using green and red indicators, which make it easy to spot when prices rise or fall. The odds are displayed in decimal format, and there’s no option to switch to other formats like fractional or American.

Leagues	Average Margin	Average Payout
Bundesliga	6%	94%
Champions League	8%	92%
Europa League	10%	90%
La Liga	6%	94%
Premier League	6%	94%
Serie A	6%	94%
EFL Cup	6%	94%
Ligue 1	7%	93%
Scottish Premiership	9%	91%
NFL	5%	95%

Betting Tools & Features

There aren’t many extra tools on BetLion, but the few available add some value to the betting experience. Below are some tools you’ll find.

Cash Out

Cash out lets you settle your bet before a match ends, so you can secure part of your winnings or cut losses early. BetLion only offers full cash out, and it’s available on selected live matches. Eligible events show a cash out icon beside them.

Quick Bet

QuickBet allows you to place wagers faster without going through multiple confirmation steps. You can also set it to automatically accept odds changes, which helps you place bets instantly as markets shift.

Booking Code

The Booking Code feature lets you save your bet slip and share it with others. You can send the link or code directly to Telegram, Facebook, and other platforms.

Other Products

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BetLion has over 2,000 casino games from providers like EGT Digital, Amusnet, Pragmatic Play, Spribe, and Evolution. The collection includes online slots, table games, and live dealer options. There are also instant win titles such as Aviator, Gold Rush, and Spin and Win for quick results.

The games are well categorized, and you can browse by type or provider. Everything is grouped clearly, so you can move from slots to live games or instant wins without searching through long lists.

Responsible Gambling and Betting Initiatives

To prevent unhealthy gambling habits, BetLion has several responsible betting tools in place. The first is the self-assessment test, a 20-question quiz from Gamblers Anonymous that helps you understand your gambling behavior and identify early warning signs. Once you realize you may be at risk or want to protect your gambling habits, BetLion lets you set deposit limits. These can be applied daily, weekly, or monthly, which helps you stay within a budget and control your spending.

To protect your bankroll, BetLion allows you to set deposit limits. You can set them daily, weekly, and monthly. A short questionnaire helps you choose the right amount. If you prefer to pause your betting completely, BetLion offers two ways to do this. The Take-a-Break tool lets you suspend your account for up to six weeks, giving you time to reset before returning. For a longer break, self-exclusion is available, with a minimum period of six months. During this time, you can’t lift the restriction or reopen your account.

BetLion also provides access to professional help through trusted organizations like Gamblers Anonymous, the National Council on Problem Gambling, and Gambling Therapy. These platforms offer free and confidential counselling, recovery programs, and practical tools to help you manage or overcome problem gambling.

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  Withdrawal Lock
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  Education and Awareness Tools
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  Pre-Commitment Tools
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  Family and Friends Exclusion
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  Reality Check Tool
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  Gambling Transaction Blocking
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  Restrict Access to Certain Games
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  Gamification of Responsible Gambling
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  Self-Assessment Test
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  Betting History Transparency
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  Help Line Integration
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  Self-Exclusion Register Participation
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  Charity Contributions
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  Self-Exclusion Tool
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  Cool Off/Time-Out Tool
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  Mandatory Breaks
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  Spending Tracker Tools
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  Default Limits
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  Parental Control Tools
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  Third-Party Spending Monitors
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  Personalized Risk Messaging
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  Time/Session Limit Tool
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  Dual Account Monitoring
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  Positive Play Tools
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  Wager Limit Tool
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  Dynamic Risk Profiling
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  Post-Loss Reflection Periods
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  Loss Limit Tool
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  Deposit Limit Tool
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  Age Verification Systems

Contacts & Customer Support

BetLion has an FAQ section that answers basic questions about deposits, withdrawals, wagering, signing up, and other common topics. It’s a good starting point if you just need quick information. For more personalized help, there’s a live chat option where you can speak with an agent directly in English or Swahili. There’s also email support for issues that need more detailed attention or documentation.

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  Email (1)
  • helpzm@betlion.com
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  Phone
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  Physical Office Support
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  Live Chat
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  Contact Form
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  Mobile App Support Chat
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  Community Forum
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  Knowledge Base/Help Center
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  Facebook Messenger
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  Telegram
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  WhatsApp
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  X.com

Sponsorship

In 2018, BetLion signed a multi-year partnership with the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) to support the Uganda national football team, the Cranes. The deal included financial backing and the launch of the Cranes Jackpot, a betting product that helped fund national football activities.

In Kenya, BetLion has been active in community and amateur sports. In 2021, it partnered with the Wadau Premier League for its third series, contributing KES 350,000 to promote local football and fan engagement at the Strathmore Sports Complex. The same year, it launched the Five Star Street Football Tournament in Nairobi to support grassroots football. The campaign provided sports gear and training equipment to young teams in areas such as Kawangware, Huruma, and Maringo, with former Harambee Stars captain Musa Otieno serving as ambassador.

BetLion has also extended its reach to Zambia. In partnership with the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), the brand launched the “Ma Bwana Mega Mission” campaign to boost fan engagement and reward supporters with official team merchandise and other prizes.

Besides football, BetLion sponsored Kenyan professional golfer David Wakhu for the 2019 Kenya Open, providing financial and logistical support to help him compete internationally.

What Bettors Say About BetLion

BetLion does not have a Trustpilot profile, so there’s no public TrustScore you can refer to. From several betting forums and user discussions, I found both positives and negatives that people often bring up.

Many punters say the BetLion website is intuitive and that getting started is simple. They like the app interface and say placing bets on common markets feels easy. Some mention that customer support responds reasonably when issues come up. Others appreciate that withdrawals, at least for smaller amounts, go through without too much fuss.

On the downside, a frequent complaint is delays on larger withdrawals. Some users claim that money takes longer than expected to leave the account. Bonus terms are another sore point: people say some offers come with hidden requirements or conditions that make them hard to fully benefit from. A few mention that support sometimes gives vague answers or takes time to resolve more complex issues.

Compared to its competitors, BetLion’s reputation is somewhat average. BetWay has a Trustpilot score of around 2.0 to 2.5 out of 5, with many users complaining about frozen accounts and delayed payouts. Betika has limited global visibility, and users often discuss its narrow betting range and payment lags. SportPesa receives mixed feedback, with some praising its strong local presence but others reporting bonus issues and account troubles. MozzartBet lacks enough verified reviews for a clear rating, though users often talk about slow support and average odds. 22Bet performs better overall, with a TrustScore of about 3.5 out of 5; users like its wide market coverage and multiple payment options, but still raise concerns about occasional withdrawal delays and slow responses.