Gambling and online casinos in Uganda

Uganda is one of the most progressive gambling markets in East Africa.

Unlike many neighboring countries, gambling here is completely legalized and regulated by the state, which allows the development of a modern and transparent gambling sector.

Over the past ten years, Uganda has become a regional gambling hub, with international operators and online casinos and betting shops generating significant revenue for the country's economy.

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Historical context

Gambling in Uganda has a long history, dating back to the colonial era, when British authorities introduced the first lotteries and horse racing sweepstakes.

In the 1960s and 1970s, gambling existed informally, but in 2004 the government legalized the sector by adopting Lotteries and Gaming Act 2004, and in 2016 the National Gaming Board Uganda (NGBU) was created

the central body regulating all gambling activity.

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Legislation and regulation

Uganda's gambling industry operates on a clear regulatory framework that covers both the offline and online segments.

Main documents:

• Lotteries and Gaming Act (2004) - a basic law governing lotteries, casinos and betting;
• Gaming and Pool Betting (Licensing) Regulations (2016) - established a licensing system;
• Anti-Money Laundering Act (2017) - measures to prevent financial crime.

The regulator is the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NGB), subordinate to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.

Main requirements:

• the license is mandatory for all operators;
• the minimum age of players is 25 years (one of the highest restrictions in the world);
• operators are required to pay a monthly tax of 20% of gross revenue (GGR);
• all online casinos must have a local domain. ug or partner in the country;
• gambling advertising is limited and requires NGB approval.

Thanks to a transparent licensing system

Uganda is in the top 5 countries in Africa in terms of regulated gambling.

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Legal forms of gambling

The following gambling activities are permitted in Uganda:

• casinos and gaming clubs (mainly in Kampala and Entebbe);
• bookmakers and betting shops;
• online casinos and virtual games;
• national and private lotteries;
• sports and esports betting;
• slot machines and bingo halls.

Major operators:

• Betway Uganda
• Premier Bet
• Fortebet
• Hollywoodbets Uganda
• 1xBet Uganda
• MoSports

In the capital Kampala, casinos such as

Casino Simba, Mayfair Casino, Kampala Royale Casino and Pyramid Casino, offering classic games - roulette, poker, blackjack and slot machines.

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Online gambling

Online gambling in Uganda has been growing rapidly since 2018, when the National Council began issuing licenses for digital platforms.

Popular destinations:

• online sports betting is the main market segment;
• virtual games and live casinos;
• crypto gambling - is gaining popularity among young people.

Payment methods include MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money, Ezeemoney, as well as bank transfers and cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, USDT).

According to Africa Gaming Market 2024, there are more than 1.2 million active online players in Uganda, and the market volume exceeds $150 million per year, of which 60% falls on the online segment.

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Economic importance

Gambling plays a significant role in Uganda's economy:

• annual tax revenues - more than $25 million;
• about 10,000 jobs in the casino, IT and support sector;
• investments by international operators and local startups;
• contribution to the development of digital payments and the telecom industry.

The government actively uses income from licenses to finance sports, education and social programs.

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Social and cultural context

Although Uganda is a predominantly Christian country, attitudes towards gambling are mixed.

The church calls for limiting youth participation, and the state introduces responsible play campaigns.

The National NGB Council has implemented the Player Protection Policy (PPP) system, where operators are required to provide self-locking tools and set daily limits for players.

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Prospects

Uganda is considered one of the most stable gambling jurisdictions in Africa.

By 2030, it is expected:

• growth of the online sector to $300 million;
• development of mobile platforms and live games;
• integration of cryptocurrencies into licensed casinos;
• establishment of an international gambling cluster in Kampala.

According to the forecast of the Gaming Africa Index 2030, Uganda will enter the top 3 African countries in terms of regulated gambling, second only to South Africa and Kenya.

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Uganda is an example of successful legalisation and regulation of gambling.

A transparent licensing system has been built here, a developed network of casinos and online platforms is operating, and the state receives stable tax revenues.