Uganda Blocks 23 Illegal Betting Sites and Destroys 6,749 Gaming Machines
Uganda.- 6 November 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Uganda’s National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) has intensified enforcement against illegal gambling by blocking 23 unlicensed betting websites and destroying 6,749 illegal gaming machines, valued at approximately UGX6.21 billion ($1.7 million).
The measures form part of a broader enforcement strategy combining digital restrictions, police operations and legal proceedings to tackle unauthorised gambling businesses.
More Than 10,000 Machines Confiscated
According to the regulator, authorities have confiscated 10,020 illegal gaming machines over the past five years.
Of these, 6,749 were subsequently destroyed under court orders.
The estimated value of the destroyed equipment reached UGX6.21 billion, highlighting the financial scale of unlicensed gaming operations.
The NLGRB aims to prevent these machines from returning to commercial use.
Authorities Block 23 Online Platforms
The regulator has also strengthened its oversight of digital gambling.
Working alongside the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), authorities blocked access to 23 websites operated by unlicensed gambling companies.
The cooperation enables access restrictions to be implemented through telecommunications companies and internet service providers.
This approach has become increasingly important as online betting continues expanding across Uganda.
Courts Deliver 21 Convictions
Enforcement efforts have also resulted in legal proceedings.
During the three years ending June 2026, authorities prosecuted 24 illegal operators, importers and gaming machine suppliers.
The outcomes included:
- 21 convictions.
- Three cases remaining before the courts.
- 19 Ugandan nationals prosecuted.
- Five Chinese nationals prosecuted.
The figures were provided by Jackline Kamakune, Senior Communications Officer at the NLGRB.
Regulator Resolves 112 Consumer Complaints
Consumer protection remains another important component of the regulator’s strategy.
During the 2025/2026 financial year, the NLGRB received 125 gambling-related complaints, involving claims worth approximately UGX2.66 billion.
Of these, the authority reported resolving 112 cases, covering claims valued at approximately UGX2.57 billion.
The results reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen oversight and address disputes between consumers and gambling operators.
Online Gambling Accounts for 93% of Transactions
The continued digitalisation of Uganda’s gambling market presents growing regulatory challenges.
According to earlier NLGRB estimates:
- 93% of gambling transactions take place online.
- 7% occur through physical gambling outlets.
The figures underline the importance of strengthening controls over gambling websites, electronic payments and operators offering services without authorisation.
Further Enforcement in Rural Areas
The latest measures follow calls from Uganda’s Parliament in August for stronger action against illegal gambling, particularly in rural communities.
Recent operations included:
- Greater Katonga region: 123 illegal gaming machines confiscated.
- Amuru, Amolatar and Dokolo districts: a further 36 machines seized.
The operations were conducted through cooperation between the gambling regulator and police authorities.
Telecommunications Companies Have a Central Role
Denis Mudene Ngabirano, CEO of the NLGRB, emphasised the need for closer cooperation with telecommunications providers.
He argued that these companies can contribute not only by restricting access to illegal websites but also by supporting responsible gambling initiatives.
The regulator’s priorities include regulatory compliance, anti-money laundering measures and consumer protection.
Industry Impact and Next Steps
Uganda’s enforcement activities demonstrate an approach targeting both land-based and online gambling.
Machine destruction, website restrictions and legal proceedings are intended to reduce activity by operators outside the licensing framework.
With 23 websites blocked, 6,749 gaming machines destroyed and 21 convictions secured, Uganda is strengthening its campaign against illegal gambling through cooperation between regulators, law enforcement agencies and telecommunications companies.
Maintaining effective oversight will remain a challenge in a market where most gambling transactions now take place online.
Edited by: @fonta
