The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) is intensifying efforts to combat illegal gaming operations across Uganda, aiming to protect the public from gambling’s negative effects.
Safeguarding Citizens from Gambling Harm
Denis Mudene Ngabirano, CEO of the NLGRB, emphasized that the Board’s core mission extends beyond licensing and regulating gaming activities—it also focuses on shielding citizens from the adverse social and economic impacts of gambling.
“The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board was created by Parliament through the Lotteries and Gaming Act, CAP 334,” Ngabirano explained. “Our main mandate is to supervise and regulate all gaming activities while ensuring citizens are protected from gaming’s harmful effects.”
Enforcing the Law
Section 67 of the Lotteries and Gaming Act grants the Board the authority to take legal action against individuals or businesses operating betting, casino, or gaming facilities without a valid license. It also targets establishments allowing minors to participate in gambling.
“Section 67 is the foundation of our enforcement. Anyone caught violating the law faces fines, imprisonment, or both,” Ngabirano stated.
To uphold this mandate, the Board has established an Enforcement and Investigations unit, which collaborates with the Inspection and Compliance team to conduct nationwide audits and verify gaming operators.
“We carry out inspections countrywide to identify operators and ensure they are properly licensed,” he added.
Community and Industry Collaboration
To widen its enforcement reach, the Board relies on reports from the public and licensed operators. This intelligence helps identify unauthorized gaming establishments that might not be detected through routine inspections.
“We actively create awareness. Once we license operators, we publish their names on our website, so the public knows who is authorized,” Ngabirano noted.
Licensed operators also provide valuable information by reporting illegal gaming shops operating near them. “When they report these activities, we take immediate action,” he added.
This combination of formal inspections and community feedback enables the Board to respond swiftly to emerging illegal operations.
Targeting Illegal Slot Machines and Online Betting
One of the Board’s biggest challenges is the proliferation of unauthorized slot machines, commonly known as coin machines, which are often placed in small trading centers and rural areas where enforcement is more difficult.
According to the Lotteries and Gaming Act, gaming operations are prohibited below the jurisdiction of Town Councils.
“We’ve confiscated over 5,000 illegal slot machines with the help of the Uganda Police Force. These machines are not only illegal but also easily accessible to minors, making them particularly dangerous,” Ngabirano said.
To dispose of confiscated gaming equipment, the Board has partnered with a licensed e-waste management company, Luwero Industries Limited, which ensures responsible destruction of the devices.
Online betting also poses a growing challenge. Unlicensed platforms operate without regulatory oversight, offering unprotected services and bypassing consumer protection laws.
“We’ve been working with the Uganda Communications Commission and mobile money operators to crack down on illegal online betting. So far, we have blocked 23 unauthorized betting websites,” Ngabirano revealed.
Many of these platforms integrate directly with mobile money systems, making them easily accessible—particularly to young people. By disrupting their financial transactions, the Board limits their ability to operate within Uganda.
Ensuring Public Protection
Ngabirano stressed that the Board’s mission is not just about enforcement—it’s about public safety and social responsibility.
“Our primary duty is to regulate all gaming activities while ensuring citizens are shielded from the negative consequences of gambling,” he said.
If left unchecked, unregulated gaming can lead to serious social issues, including financial debt, school dropouts, and mental health problems. The Board’s enforcement strategy is part of a broader initiative to mitigate these risks and ensure responsible gaming practices.
Looking Ahead
The Board continues to invest in responsible gaming awareness and technological advancements for improved monitoring and compliance.
Partnerships are underway, including collaborations with SafeBoda Uganda, the Bank of Uganda for financial literacy programs, and the Ministries of Health and Education to promote mindset change and player protection.
Additionally, the NLGRB is upgrading its regulatory tools and data systems to stay ahead of emerging trends, particularly within the digital gaming space.
As Uganda’s gaming industry grows, the Board remains committed to ensuring it operates transparently and responsibly, safeguarding citizens from its potential harms.
