Kenyan man correctly predicts scores of 17 matches & wins $2 million football jackpot
For Samuel Abisai, the past weekend was nothing short of life changing after he became the lucky Kenyan winner of $2 million (Sh221 million) SportPesa mega jackpot.
Probably the most expensive text ever received in Kenya… pic.twitter.com/yO6bnbh1Ye
— SportPesa Kenya (@SportPesa) May 2, 2017
Abisai had perfectly predicted scores of 17 matches last weekend in the football betting jackpot in what is one considered as one of the biggest ever payout in Kenya and Africa.
SportPesa on Monday said the winner placed Sh200 on two mega jackpot picks of Sh100 each and by the time the company called him, he had realised that he had won and was already celebrating.
28 year old Samuel Abisai correctly predicted 17/17 games in last weekend's mjp walking away with a coveted Kshs. 221,301,602/= !! #221milli pic.twitter.com/xVkxu7QzlB
— SportPesa Kenya (@SportPesa) May 2, 2017
“The consumer had realised 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.
According to the Africa Review, the 28-year-old, having been assured of a big windfall, left home to join his best friend at a joint in the outskirts of Nairobi before the last two games of the week’s jackpot — 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.
A word from the man of the day!!! Where was he and what was he doing when he learnt of his great fortune? #221milli pic.twitter.com/Ah8nrJPDu2
— SportPesa Kenya (@SportPesa) May 2, 2017
The new multi-millionaire was unveiled on Tuesday at a red-carpet ceremony at the Carnivore Restaurant in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi.
He was picked up in a white limousine together with his friends and brother from his home in Roysambu, approximately 12 kilometers from the Nairobi central business district.
Abisai now says he doubts whether he will ever bet again.
“I think I am not going to bet again,” Mr Abisai told journalists in Nairobi.
He plans to give some of his winnings back to the society, including supporting his local football team in the western region of Kakamega; a team that is run by his brother.
“I love football and have plans to sponsor a sports academy that my brother runs back in the village, Sichilai Lurambi, Kakamega County,” he was quoted by the People Daily.
Another winner took home 41 million Kenyan Shillings ($397,865 USD) for predicting 16 out of 17 matches. 24-year-old Ahmed Ali was also chauffeur-driven in a customized Land Rover Luxury SUV to the cheque presentation ceremony.
41 million mega jackpot bonus winner, 24 year Ahmed Ali, definitely had something to say. #221Milli pic.twitter.com/aAQinLJiR7
— SportPesa Kenya (@SportPesa) May 2, 2017
Gambling in Kenya is huge. Three-quarters of 17-35 year olds in Kenya admit to having placed a bet, a recent survey by the GeoPoll said.
And this has been made easier because it can be done via the phone. Payments are done through their mobile phones.
The Kenyan government is worried and it and has just slapped a 50% tax on bookmakers, lottery companies and sports betting sites. Mr Abisai is however lucky, the taxation comes into effect next year.
The father of one daughter works for a Chinese company and speaks fluent Mandarin. He has not decided whether he will quit his job.
However, he did say that top on his list of priorities is buying a car and investing in real estate.
