Melbet is not a tenderfoot in the sports betting industry. The company has been around since 2012. Thus, it has an appreciable amount of experience in this sector.
Ever since it landed in Kenya in 2020, millions of Kenyan bettors have registered on the site. But why? Is it because Melbet allows you to live stream and bet on games without data?
Oh, and by the way, no need to buy bundles to place bets on Melbet. But that’s not all. This betting site has tons of other features that we’ll look at in this article.
Let’s get rolling!
- Website:
- Foundation:2020
- Licenses:BCLB
- Min. Deposit:Ksh 100
- Support: info-en@melbetke.com
- Mobile App:Android, iOS
- Payment Method:
- Reliable customer support
- Well-arranged website
- Competitively high odds
- Over 85 different sports to bet on
- VIP program
- Limited table games
- No casino bonuses
- No loyalty program for casino players
- Up to KSH 26000Supercharge your play with a massive 200% Bonus on your first deposit – triple your cash and triple the thrill!Get Bonus
Melbet Promotions and Bonuses
At Melbet, you can take advantage of bonuses or decide not to claim them. Although it’s not a must to claim a bonus at Melbet, why shouldn’t you? The bonuses have reasonable wagering requirements.
If you’d love to get free funds to increase your playtime, here are the offers available at Melbet:
200% Bonus on Your First Deposit
You can claim a 200% bonus up to Ksh. 26.280. Here’s how:
- Sign up at Melbet
- Deposit a minimum of Ksh. 130
- Claim and play through the bonus
This bonus is worth it because if, say, you deposit Ksh. 13.140, you’ll get an extra Ksh. 26.280. The only drawback is its 12x wagering requirement. It’s a bit high. Also, you can only use it on sports, not casino games.
300% Sports Bonus
This one is a first deposit bonus as well, but the minimum qualifying deposit is different. Here, you should pay at least Ksh. 70 to get up to Ksh. 26.000. Here’s how to grab the deal:
- Open an account at Melbet
- Complete your profile and activate your phone number
- Deposit Ksh. 70 or more
- Your deposit amount will be matched by 300% up to Ksh. 26.000.
This offer looks more generous than the previous one, although the maximum bonus amount is slightly less. Most importantly, you must consent to receive the bonus before making any deposit.
Casino Welcome Bonus
As a new casino player at Melbet, you can claim Up to 220.000 KES + 290 FS as a welcome bonus. This offer is distributed across the first 5 deposits as follows:
- Deposit 1 – 50% up to 44 000 KES + 30 Free Spins
- Deposit 2 – 75% up to 44 000 KES + 35 Free Spins
- Deposit 3 – 100% up to 44 000 KES + 40 Free Spins
- Deposit 4 – 150% up to 44 000 KES + 45 Free Spins
- Deposit 5 – 200% up to 44 000 KES + 100 Free Spins
Here are the steps to grab the offer:
- Sign up for a Melbet account
- Complete your profile
- Cash in at least Ksh. 1300
- The bonus funds will be added to your account immediately after that.
Each package expires after 7 days. Also, available games differ based on the gaming device in use. That’s somehow biased.
Bonus for 100 Bets
Melbet has been giving this offer since 2019. Here’s how to claim it:
- Register for a Melbet account
- Place 100 bets within 30 days
- Get a bonus that matches the 100 bets you placed
This bonus is worthwhile because, besides pre-match bets, it also applies to live bets. Also, the 30-day period to place 100 bets is reasonable.
100% Refund on Accumulators
At Melbet, you don’t have to worry when you lose a bet on accumulators. The site offers a 100% cashback bonus if one bet loses on accumulators.
Here’s how to claim the offer:
- Place accumulators with at least 7 selections
- If your predictions are spot on, your accumulator bets win
- You’ll get a 100% refund if a bet loses
The cashback bonus is worth it, bearing in mind you get a 100% refund. Even better, the offer includes live bets and pre-match bets.
Melbet Betting (Sports)
Melbet knows the ins and outs of sports betting, no doubt. In a day, you can bet on over 200 events in different sports. The truth is, few sportsbooks offer such an enormous number of daily events.
Because the list of events is humongous, Melbet has a search bar. You can search for a team or tournament using this feature.
Also, the betting site puts events under their respective sports categories. For example, you can bet on football, cricket, or even less popular sports like Sekiro. Ever heard of such a sport? Probably not. Anyway, here’s a thing: if everything was jumbled up, you’d never find your preferred event to bet on, don’t you think?
Odds
Melbet offers competitively high odds. Let’s confirm this. Here’s a comparison table of the odds offered on a match between Manchester United and Brentford, played on 5th April 2023:
Sportsbook | Manchester United Win | Draw | Brentford Win |
---|---|---|---|
Melbet | 1.66 | 4.44 | 5.25 |
Shabiki | 1.61 | 4.33 | 5.25 |
Sportpesa | 1.66 | 3.97 | 4.72 |
Those were the odds before the match began. One thing you’ll appreciate about Melbet is its odds don’t change as much. So, even during a match, the odds are still high.
As with most betting sites, the default odd format is decimal. You are, however, at liberty to change the odds as you please.
To do so, head to the right top corner of Melbet’s homepage. Upon clicking the odds option, you’ll see three formats: Decimal, UK, and US.
At Melbet, you can place bets on odds of as low as 1.0. That’s the beauty of playing at this site. As you may know, some sites only allow you to place bets of 1.5 and higher.
Betting Markets
Melbet has over 1500 markets. Very few betting sites have such an extensive list. Take a look at a match between Coventry City and Crewe Alexandra, played on the 6th April 2023:
You can bet on over 600 markets in this game alone. And as you can see, different bet types, such as handicaps, are also available.
These markets change across different live events. Now that we’ve glimpsed over the football markets, let’s look at a different sport, tennis.
Here’s a match between Nasyrov and Khokhlov, played on 6th April 2023:
The first thing you notice is the markets are fewer than in football. Also, some of the markets in tennis, such as “Sets to score”, are not available in football.
Live Betting and Live Streaming
It’s possible to place live bets at Melbet. The live bets section is on the same row as casino and sports; just beside Melbet’s logo. The interesting part is that the live bets section has two options: Live and multi-live.
The multi-live option allows you to create your page by adding 4 online events, at most. You can then simultaneously bet on all of them.
Of course, the live option shows all live events. And, by the way, Melbet allows you to place live bets on hundreds of events. Just look at the following live section page on the 6th of April 2023:
There are over 320 live events you can bet on. That’s a lot, right? Even better, you can place bets on over 80 sports.
To live-stream, simply click on a live event. You can then watch the game’s progress and place bets based on the likely outcome.
Bet Slip Sale
Most sports betting sites in Kenya will allow you to cash out, but Melbet won’t. Instead, the bookmaker has a Bet Slip Sale feature where you can sell your bet slip back to them before it’s settled.
You don’t have to sell the entire bet slip. They accept even a part of it and the money is credited to your account immediately.
As you consider selling your bet slip, don’t forget to read the terms. Notable ones include:
- Only single and accumulator bets qualify.
- You cannot sell your bet slip if any bet has been settled.
- If some outcomes are blocked, you cannot sell the bet slip.
- You can’t sell your bet slip twice.
Free Data
At Melbet, there’s no problem if you have no data. You can still place bets without an internet connection. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? The best part? This feature doesn’t just apply to pre-match bets. It also applies to live events, regardless of the type of sport.
One thing, though: to access the free data feature, you’ll first need a positive data balance. It could be as little as 5mbs. Just any amount that will allow you to access Melbet’s homepage. Once you’re in, that’s it. You won’t need to use data.
Here’s another thing: The feature only works for active accounts. That means you must register for a Melbet account for the feature to work. Also, you must be over 18 years old, and a Kenyan resident to access the feature.
Melbet Casino
Sports betting is one of the many things Melbet has. If casino games are your strong suit, then Melbet’s casino section is your all-inclusive store.
The casino section is easy to find. It’s on the same row as the promotions, sports, and esports. Upon clicking it, you’ll see a drop-down menu with:
- Slots
- Live Casino
- Live Slots
- Bingo
Whichever category you choose, there’s a search bar to help you find games faster. Also noteworthy, you can search for games based on the game developers.
There’s more. By default, the casino’s background is dark. However, this is not cast in stone. There’s an option that allows you to change to a light background; it depends on your taste.
In total, Melbet’s casino unit has over 300 games. This is more than enough to keep your fingers occupied.
Slot Machines
Melbet’s online slots take the biggest slice of the cake of the games section. Surprised? You shouldn’t be. That’s how it is in almost all online casinos, whether Kenyan or offshore.
There are over 200 slots, which can be a bit hard to scroll through. Fortunately, you can use the search bar to find specific games.
You can also filter the games based on types and features. These are some of the categories:
- “Book of” slots – Book of Oil, Book of Egypt, Book of Dead
- Classic Slots – Fresh Fruits, Bonus Mania, Retro 777
- Buy Bonus – Spear of Fire, Candy Crush, Bomb Runner
- Jackpot Game – Hearts Desire, Dragon Mystery, Mustang Gold
- Megaways – Mayan Gates, Treasure Bow Megaways, Sweet Rush Megaways
As you can see, the slots vary in terms of features and themes. The “Book of” slots, for example, entails Egyptian-themed games. It’s a great option if you prefer Egyptian adventure.
These slots also come with different grids. For instance, you can play Rum and Raiders, which has 5 reels. Also available is the 81 Vegas Multifruits slot, with 4 reels. If you like, 3-reel slots such as Milk the Cash Cow are also available.
Worth mentioning, 5-reel slots take up the biggest space in the casino section. Their rows and paylines, of course, vary.
Commendably, Melbet regularly updates its slots catalog. Here’s why: take The Emirate slot, for example. It debuted in 2015 and is available in the slots section.
The Book of Kemet slot was rolled out on 9th March 2023. Just 19 days after its launch, Pragmatic Play released the Red Queen slot. They’re all available at Melbet.
To access the slots’ information, though, you may want to check with their respective providers. That’s because Melbet doesn’t offer any information, such as the RTP of its slot games.
Board Games
That was too much talk on Melbet’s slots. If you love playing cards and other table games, buckle up. It’s your turn.
Things here are the same as the slots: You can search for specific board games using the search bar. Alternatively, you can select games based on software vendors located at the top of the games page.
Melbet offers the following board game categories:
- Baccarat
- Roulette
- Blackjack
- Bingo
- Poker
As we said, out of over 300 games, slots take about ¾ of the games section. That means the board games at Melbet are few.
For example, there are less than 10 blackjack games. Roulette, however, forms the majority of the board games section. You can find over 20 roulette games at Melbet casino.
Despite the few table games, Melbet updates its board games catalog regularly. That means you should expect more games as soon as software vendors release them.
Like slots, Melbet doesn’t provide the RTP, bet limits, and other information about the board games. To find a game’s information, check out its provider’s official website.
Free Casino Games
If you thought that was all about table and slot games, there’s more. At Melbet, you can play these games for free! The best part? No need to sign up.
To play a game for free, click on it, then tap the “PLAY FOR FREE” icon. Clicking on the green “PLAY” icon means you want to play for real money.
That’s not all. All slot games at Melbet have demo versions. While table games also have demo versions, some of them don’t. For example, the First Person Blackjack game.
The free-play game mode at Melbet is beneficial for all Kenyan players. Whether you’re a new or experienced casino player, you shouldn’t ignore the demos.
As a new player, you can know the ins and outs of a game by playing for free. This is possible because there are no limits to how many times you can play these games. Once you’re comfortable playing a game, you can cash in and play for real money.
If you’re an experienced player, free play versions are still beneficial. You may want to try out a new game. Unfortunately, playing for real money is risky. So, the best option is to understand the features and how the game works. Since free play modes are risk-free, you’ll be able to master a new game without risking your money.
Software Providers
Undoubtedly, Melbet wants its patrons to have the best gambling experience. That’s why it has partnered with trustworthy game developers.
There are over 60 game providers at Melbet Casino. The list is a mix of big names and upcoming software vendors. They include:
- Pragmatic Play
- Evolution Gaming
- Spinomenal
- BGaming
- Wazdan
These providers know a thing or two about online casino games. Evolution Gaming, for example, stands out as a master in creating live casino games.
With these providers, you can expect first-rate graphics. This creates an immersive experience when playing at Melbet.
Payment Methods
Here’s a summary table showing the payment methods available at Melbet:
Payment | Min. Deposit | Min. Withdrawal | Processing Time |
---|---|---|---|
Ksh. 100 | Ksh. 200 | Instant | |
Ksh. 100 | Ksh. 200 | Instant | |
Ksh. 100 | Ksh. 200 | Instant | |
Ksh. 100 | Ksh. 200 | Instant |
Melbet doesn’t charge for deposits and withdrawals. However, the normal 20% tax rate applies to all your winnings.
Notably, you can only withdraw with the same method you used to cash in. That is, if you used M-Pesa to deposit, for example, you can’t use Airtel Money or other methods to cash out.
Melbet App
There’s no need to stick to your PC the whole day when smartphones are widely available in Kenya. With the Melbet app, you can make payments, play games, and cash out whenever, wherever.
The app functions well on iOS and Android mobile devices. It’s, however, not available on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
To download the app, load the bookie’s official website on mobile and open the menu. At the bottommost part of the menu is a link to the apps. Click on it and download the app version that resonates well with your device.
Melbet’s app is not only available for smartphones. It is also available for PCs and laptops. The only difference is that this time you need to access the site using your desktop computer or laptop. You should then select whether to download the app for a Windows device or Mac.
VIP/Loyalty Club
Few Kenyan betting sites have a VIP program. Luckily, Melbet has a loyalty club for devoted Kenyan gamblers.
The program has been around since 1st November 2017. To register for Melbet’s loyalty program, here are the steps:
- Log in to your account
- Click the “personal profile” option
- Select “Join the club” then follow the instructions.
Notably, Melbet awards points based on the number of outcomes in your bet and wager amount. Here’s the formula for calculating loyalty points:
Your stake x No. of outcomes ÷ 3
Let’s say your accumulator bet has 5 outcomes with a wager of Ksh. 1500. The bonus points will be:
1500 x 5 ÷ 3 = 2500 points
Worth noting, the minimum amount you can wager to get loyalty points is Ksh. 130. Also, the VIP program covers all types of bets. These include accumulator, single, and system bets.
It’s also important to note that the maximum outcome you can bet on is 6. That means if you bet on events that exceed 6 outcomes, Melbet will disregard the number of outcomes and use 6.
To understand this, say you place bets on 10 outcomes with a wager of Ksh. 1500. Melbet will calculate your points as follows:
1500 x 6 ÷ 3 = 3000 points
To convert the bonus points into real money, Melbet divides the points by 200. That is, if you have 20.000 points, the amount you’ll get is:
20.000 ÷ 200 = Ksh. 100
After converting your bonus points into real money, you may use the money as you please. This includes cashing out.
How to Create Account
Setting up a Melbet account is as easy as riding a bike. The entire process takes about 2 minutes. That’s because you won’t need verification documents.
Here’s what you do:
- Click the red Registration icon on the right of the homepage
- Enter your first name, surname, and phone number, and click “Send”
- Enter the verification code sent to your phone and click “Confirm”
- Enter a strong password then select if you want a welcome bonus or not
- Tick the small box to agree with Melbet’s T&Cs then click “Register”
Upon clicking the Register icon, you’ll be redirected to another page confirming your registration is successful. Then, Melbet will send you your username and password. The SMS is confidential. So, you shouldn’t share it with anyone.
After receiving the SMS, use the details to log in to your account. Once you’ve logged in, a page will pop up for you to select your payment method.
Customer Support
Melbet’s customer support staff are always on standby 24/7. These are the options to contact their customer support staff:
Live Chat
On whatever Melbet’s page you’re on, you’ll see the live chat option. It’s an icon written, “ASK A QUESTION”. Upon clicking it, a friendly and knowledgeable customer agent will chat with you.
You don’t have to worry about the language to use. If you’re not comfortable with English, you can ask a question in Swahili. Also, a mix of English and Swahili will still do.
And they’re prompt, by the way. You should expect feedback in less than 2 minutes.
Telephone
Another reliable option to reach out to Melbet’s customer support is the telephone. Don’t worry about loading credit. They have a toll-free telephone line. You can call them at +254 800 723 007.
When you call them, they’ll address you in English. If you’d like to speak in Swahili, just say so. They’ll direct your call to an agent who’ll respond in Swahili. Quite professional, right?
The email option depends on your queries. If, for example, you’d like to inquire about anything surrounding financial matters, there’s a dedicated email for that.
Here are Melbet’s email addresses:
- General queries: info-en@melbetke.com
- Finances: accounting@melbetke.com
- Security department: security@melbetke.com
- Public relations and advertising: marketing@melbetke.com
The email response time is usually in minutes, depending on your issue. It, however, doesn’t take more than 24 hours before you get feedback.
Design and Navigation
When you first see the Melbet betting site, it’s apparent that it’s a modern website. Its blend of black, light yellow and white colours makes it eye-catching.
Everything is well-arranged, making navigation easy. The site’s logo is in the top left corner. Different categories then follow. They include:
- Promotions
- Sports
- Live Bets
- Esports
- Casino
The website has no search bar. However, you can pretty much easily find what you’re looking for based on the above categories.
The bottom of the homepage contains the website’s licensing information. You’ll also find different sections that simplify your search process.
When it comes to speed, the website’s pages load quickly. This makes the transition from one feature to the next seamless.
Security and Reputation
Nowadays, the internet is full of scam websites. You can imagine the consequences of sharing your personal and financial details on such sites. Pretty stressful, don’t you think?
To avoid such incidents, it’s best to play at a legit betting site. Luckily, Melbet is a legitimate site with a BCLB license (license no. 0000332).
Additionally, it has a public gaming license (license no. 0000223). This license allows Melbet to run casino operations.
Despite a casino’s claim to be licensed, the best practice is to always confirm if the claims are true. As for Melbet, you can confirm its licensing status at the BCLB’s official website. In fact, it’s in the 39th position on the list of licensed operators.
Regarding safety, Melbet holds an up-to-date SSL certificate. The 128-SSL encryption tool, besides a firewall technology used, safeguards your online data from hackers. Thus, you can relax knowing your transaction and personal details are safe from misuse, loss, and unauthorized access.
As part of its security measures, Melbet has a strict privacy policy it observes. Among the principles of the policy is keeping your information confidential. This means the site can’t share your information online.
The security and licensing of Melbet make it a reliable site for sports and casino betting. That’s why millions of Kenyan gamblers give it a good rating.
FAQ's: Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Melbet operates legally. Its BCXLB sports betting license no. is 0000332. Additionaly, its public gaming license no. is 0000223.
There are four payment methods available at Melbet. You can deposit and cash out using M-Pesa, Airtel Money, EazzyPay, and Pesalink.
No, you don’t have to verify your Melbet account during registration. However, you must verify your account before withdrawing your winnings.
The lowest deposit amount at Melbet is Ksh. 100. This applies to all deposit methods.
Yes, Melbet offers a casino. It comprises over 300 games, including table and slot games. You can also play live dealer games.
Final Evaluation
Melbet deserves a 5/5 rating. However, we’ll give it a 4.7. The reason we take away 0.3 is solely on the casino section. Melbet’s sports section is perfect. We have no problem with it.
Although they’ve done well in the casino area, it still needs some work. They should increase their number of games. Yes, the number of games in their catalog is commendable. But they can do better, especially by increasing the number of table games like poker and baccarat.
All in all, we recommend this betting site to any Kenyan player. Not only does it beat most Kenyan sportsbooks, but it also leapfrogs most offshore sites. In a nutshell, it’s worth a try.