A Kenyan man has won $2.21 million (221 million shillings) in a Kenyan Jackpot Sportpesa. The man correctly predicted 17 games making him an instant millionaire. The payout is said to be the one of the biggest ever in Africa.
On Monday, Sportpesa said the winner had placed Sh200 on two mega jackpot picks of Sh100 each. He was already in a celebratory mood when the company called to notify him.
“The consumer had realized that something monumental was in the offing as soon as the French top flight Ligue 1 clash between Dijon FCO at home to Bordeaux ended 0-0 as they had predicted,” Sportpesa said in a statement.
Having been assured of a big win, the winner decided to join a friend at a club short distance from Nairobi to watch the two remaining games. — the North London derby pitting Tottenham Hotspur against Arsenal and the Italian Serie A clash between Inter Milan and Napoli — were played.
“The consumer said he met his friend with whom they bet and as they were discussing what to do with the millions a call came through,” Sportpesa said.
The winner was called by Sportpesa CEO Mr. Ronald Karauri, and the call found the man still enjoying his night, still celebrating the win. The CEO then advised him to cut short his night out.
Two other Kenyans won a Sh62 million bonus in the Sportpesa mega jackpot.
Betting on sports has become popular in Kenya, prompting the government to regulate betting businesses around the country.