Uganda seeks regional forum to combat illegal betting and harmonize gaming laws

Uganda is spearheading an initiative to foster regional collaboration aimed at curbing illegal gambling activities and aligning gaming standards across East Africa. The digital betting landscape on the continent is rapidly evolving, necessitating a unified approach to regulation.

Denis Mudene, CEO of Uganda’s National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board, emphasized at the iGaming Africa Summit that the gaming market’s expansion beyond national boundaries requires coordinated efforts. He proposed the establishment of an East African Gaming Regulators Forum to enhance enforcement strategies and close existing loopholes exploited by illegal operators.

“The market is no longer confined within borders. Without coordination, illegal operators will continue to exploit regulatory gaps,” Mudene stated during a panel discussion on the continent’s changing gaming regulations. The summit brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including international regulators, operators, telecommunication companies, and payment providers.

Mobile technology and online platforms have transformed gaming into an inherently cross-border industry, requiring joint oversight. Mudene cautioned that unlicensed offshore entities are actively targeting African markets, posing risks of consumer fraud and addiction, while also depriving governments of potential tax revenues.

Uganda’s recent crackdown, dubbed ‘Operation Mashine Haramu,’ has resulted in the confiscation of over 7,000 illegal gaming machines and the closure of more than 20 unlicensed websites. Mudene underscored that the issue extends beyond regulatory concerns, impacting consumer protection and government revenue.

Representatives from Kenya, Nigeria, and Botswana concurred that combating illegal gambling networks is a collective challenge. They called for improved intelligence sharing, joint operations, and enhanced collaboration with telecommunication and payment service providers to disrupt illicit activities.

The shift towards online and mobile betting has prompted a redesign of regulatory oversight. Uganda now mandates that operators disclose their software providers and explain their system functionalities, alongside introducing licensing for software providers to increase accountability throughout the entire value chain.

Mudene clarified that harmonization does not intend to impose identical laws or tax structures but rather to establish a common ground on fundamental principles that safeguard players and market integrity.

Responsible gaming measures, such as self-exclusion tools, age verification, and deposit limits, were a significant focus. These safeguards are now mandatory in Uganda under the Responsible Gaming Directives 2025. Concerns were also raised regarding advertising that misrepresents betting as a source of reliable income, with calls for stricter controls to protect vulnerable consumers.

This report is based on information from the Daily Monitor.