NLGRB ramps up crackdown against illegal gambling in Uganda
The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) has intensified its campaign against illegal gambling activities in Uganda. Led by CEO Denis Mudene Ngabirano, the board has initiated targeted enforcement activities to protect vulnerable communities and the integrity of the nation’s gaming sector.
Legal requirements and fundamental responsibilities
Established by the , NLGRB has a primary mandate of overseeing and regulating all forms of lotteries and gaming in Uganda. The mandate includes licensing bona fide operators, guaranteeing fair play conditions, and encouraging socially responsible gaming. “Their key duty is more than licensing, with a focus on having a legal and ethical gambling landscape that safeguards citizens and generates revenue for the government,” Denis Mudene Ngabirano stated.
The risks of illegal gambling
Illegal gambling operations present real dangers to individuals and society at large. Unauthorised gaming clubs and websites usually lack the necessary means to protect players against addiction and financial loss and target children, young people, and unemployed individuals. Operators who disregard the law not only avoid taxation but also expose vulnerable individuals to harm, thereby undermining the regulatory regime and the broader well-being of the community.
Targeted enforcement operations
During the last year, the NLGRB’s enforcement policy has merged routine inspections, e-surveillance, and intelligence gathering. NLGRB teams raided premises suspected of operating unlicensed gaming machines, and cyber units tracked down and shut down illegal online gambling websites. With technical assistance from the , they seized over 5,000 illegal machines and closed 23 illicit sites.
Collaborative processes and partnerships
Understanding that effective enforcement needs to be collaborative across several agencies, the NLGRB operates in close coordination with the Uganda Police Force, the Uganda Revenue Authority, and other stakeholders. Combined operations enable the quick prosecution of offenders and ensure that evidence obtained during raids can be accepted as evidence in court. “We have adopted a zero-tolerance stance toward illegal gaming,” Ngabirano affirmed, “and we will seek ongoing legal action against anyone who violates our regulations.”
Sustaining public welfare and income
By excluding illegal operators from the market, the NLGRB saves the public from unchecked gaming while maintaining government revenue streams. Licensed operators pay taxes and fees that are utilised to fund social services, infrastructure, and community development programmes. Illicit operators undermine this arrangement by diverting potential funds from national priorities.
Current legal proceedings and potential action
Several high-profile cases are pending in Uganda’s courts as NLGRB prosecutes criminal and civil cases against unlicensed operators. Continued surveillance of physical establishments and online sites makes sure that new illegal activities are identified swiftly. The board also plans to expand public awareness campaigns to inform citizens about the dangers of participating in unregulated gaming.
The board’s stance on regulation
The board’s enforcement initiative, led by CEO Denis Mudene Ngabirano, exemplifies a strong dedication to upholding a secure, equitable, and transparent gaming environment in Uganda.
Through strategic collaborations, intelligence gathering, and persistent legal measures, the board is actively mitigating illegal gambling activities, safeguarding vulnerable populations, and ensuring the nation’s essential revenue.
