Uganda Strengthens Efforts to Combat Illegal Gaming Through Regulatory Partnership

The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board has partnered with the Uganda Police Force to address the increasing issue of illegal gaming in the country. This collaboration comes at a crucial time as illegal gambling activities, particularly online betting, have surged, posing significant challenges to regulators and society.

Gambling activities in Uganda encompass a variety of modes, including sports betting, casino gambling, national lottery/play lotto, slot machines, betting on animals, ludo (a board game), pool betting, and online betting, among others. However, the rise of unregulated gaming platforms, many of which target young people, has raised alarm about the financial risks and harmful gambling habits they promote.

The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board is empowered by Section 4(l) of the Lotteries and Gaming Act, 2016, to protect citizens from the adverse effects of gaming. To fulfill this mandate, the Board collaborates closely with the Uganda Police Force to combat illegal gaming operations and minimize the associated harms.

A recent stakeholder engagement organized by the Board brought together Divisional Police Commanders (DPCs) and Division CID Officers from the Kampala Metropolitan Area. The meeting aimed to strengthen enforcement against illegal gaming and safeguard Ugandans from the negative impacts of gambling.

Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Commander Richard Ecega underscored the importance of the partnership between law enforcement and the Board. “The collaboration with the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board is crucial in ensuring that the gaming sector operates within the law and upholds responsibility,” he said.

Ecega also emphasized the need for public education on the risks associated with gaming. “We need to educate the community about the risks of gaming, especially as we know that gaming is addictive, and it is a game of chance. We are building our capacity in cybercrime such that we are able to protect and prevent all crimes that are committed online,” he added.

The Board’s CEO, Denis Mudene, expressed the agency’s commitment to mitigating the societal harms caused by gambling, particularly among vulnerable groups like young people. He acknowledged the presence of illegal gambling operators and called for stricter enforcement.

“There are those that are illegal; there are many, especially those that are not branded. In your jurisdiction, look at those betting shops that don’t have any branding. That is one sign of an illegal company,” Mudene said.

He also reiterated the Board’s dedication to fostering a balanced gaming industry that provides entertainment while protecting the public from gambling-related harm. “Betting is addictive and can be psychologically harmful. So, part of our efforts is to ensure that we create awareness about this gaming industry,” Mudene added.

Since the early 2000s, Uganda’s gambling industry has grown rapidly, expanding beyond traditional casino gambling and national lotteries to include sports betting and online gaming. This diversification has raised concerns about the industry’s impact, particularly on mental health, household finances, and social stability.

A 2023 study conducted by the Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board revealed troubling statistics about gambling in Uganda. The survey, which included 1,739 participants from 14 districts, found that gambling is predominantly a male activity, with 58% of respondents under the age of 30. Many participants reported significant psychological challenges, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, linked to their gambling habits.

In a separate survey conducted in Kampala by Makerere University’s Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), researchers found that approximately one in four adults had participated in some form of gambling. Factors such as age, income, employment status, and gender were significant determinants of gambling activity.

The survey also highlighted the financial displacement effects of gambling, including reduced spending on household necessities and savings. Problem gambling has become a notable concern, leading to negative outcomes such as addiction, idleness, and even suicidal thoughts.

Under Section 5 of the Lotteries and Gaming Act (Cap 334), the Board has the authority to seize and confiscate unlicensed gaming equipment. This enforcement measure was among the topics addressed during the recent engagement with law enforcement officials.

The Board remains committed to fulfilling its mandate under the Lotteries and Gaming Act of 2016, which includes protecting Ugandans from the adverse effects of gaming and ensuring a regulated and responsible gaming industry.

By fLEXI tEAM