Kenya’s online casinos are doing well, even though many users worry about data costs. Around 60 million mobile users spend about KSh 50-100 each week on prepaid data. By next year, most Kenyans will be on 3G or 4G. However, games that use a lot of data, like live roulette in HD, can use up 50MB in just one session. That’s a problem for players with limited income.
To fix this, sites like Betika, SportPesa, and 22Bet have added Low Data Mode sections. These games are made to use less than 5MB per round. They use simple graphics, text, and compress files to save data. This approach also fits well with the popularity of M-Pesa, which handles most transactions. This blog post will look at low-data game types, how they are improved technically, and some popular games in Kenya’s gambling market.
How they save data
These games are all about being efficient:
- File sizes: They use 2D images and graphics that keep file sizes down, which is less data-hungry than the 3D models you see in standard slot games.
- Loading: The most important parts of the game load first (under 1MB), and you can choose to add better graphics later if you want.
- Offline: The game figures out the results ahead of time and saves them, so it doesn’t have to constantly talk to the server.
- Text: Games use simple cards or dice made with basic code, which only takes up about 100KB per spin.
The BCLB makes sure these games are fair, and tests are done by GLI to make sure the games pay out a fair amount of the time. The platforms use tech that allows for updates without loading video, which cuts data usage to just a few MB per hour.
Types of low-data games
- Classic Slots: These have three reels with fruits and don’t use animations, saving a lot of data.
- Card Games: Games like Teen Patti or Andar Bahar use text to show the cards instead of images.
- Dice Games: Simple versions of Sic Bo or Ludo use code to roll the dice.
- Scratch Cards: These instant-win games use very few images.
- Keno/Lotto: Players pick numbers on a simple grid.
These games allow for small bets, making them great for casual players.
Popular games in Kenya
- M-Pesa Slots (Betika): A simple slot game with a good payout rate that loads quickly. It also lets you deposit money automatically using M-Pesa.
- Low Data Aviator (SportPesa): A crash-style game that uses text for the multiplier.
- KSh 10 Teen Patti (1xBet): A simple card game that uses random number generation instead of a video dealer.
- Quick Scratch Wins (22Bet): Scratch card games with different themes that show results instantly.
- Data-Saver Sic Bo (Helabet): A dice game that uses text for the rolls.
According to data from the operators, these games make up a large portion of mobile traffic.
What players get and what’s hard
Low-data games let people play longer without spending too much on data. However, they don’t feel as real as the full versions, because they cut down the images or features. The BCLB requires players to share ID when they take out winnings.
These low-data options are helping to make gambling in Kenya more accessible to everyone. Players should make sure the BCLB licenses the site and stick to a daily limit. These games are key for users who keep an eye on their data bundles.
