Uganda Cracks Down on Illegal Gambling

National Regulator Targets Unlicensed Operators

Uganda’s gambling regulator has launched an intensified campaign against illegal gambling, targeting both offshore websites and unauthorized land-based venues. The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB), led by CEO Denis Mudene Ngabirano, has been working closely with the Uganda Police Force to dismantle unlicensed operations that continue to market gambling products to local residents.

Ngabirano reaffirmed the regulator’s legal mandate, stating, “The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board was created by Parliament through the Lotteries and Gaming Act, CAP 334. Our main mandate is to supervise and regulate all gaming activities while ensuring citizens are protected from gaming’s harmful effects.”

Illegal Slot Machines Spread Nationwide

Much of the current enforcement effort has focused on small-scale land-based operations, which have proliferated in various parts of Uganda. These venues, often equipped with a handful to several dozen slot machines, are being systematically shut down as authorities discover them. In one recent sweep, over 5,000 machines were confiscated across the country.

While these seizures represent a significant step, the scale of the unregulated market remains difficult to measure. Enforcement is challenged by the sheer number of operations and limited data on the extent of illegal gambling activities.

Offshore Advertising Still Reaches Ugandan Consumers

In parallel, unlicensed gambling sites based outside the country continue to reach Ugandan users through targeted advertising and promotional campaigns. Despite being outside the jurisdiction of local enforcement, these operators remain a core concern for the NLGRB due to their accessibility and lack of consumer protections.

According to Ngabirano, efforts to curb this influence are ongoing, but offshore operators present a unique challenge for regulators working within national borders.

The renewed focus on gambling enforcement comes as Uganda deals with broader reputational issues in the sector. Recently, the country faced scrutiny over allegations that its embassy in Dubai was linked to unauthorized casino activity. Though the matter remains under investigation, it has added momentum to the government’s efforts to strengthen oversight.