169 illicit machines seized as the Board enhances efforts to protect communities from gaming harm.
As part of its statutory mandate to regulate, supervise, and enforce gaming laws in Uganda, the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) recently executed a targeted enforcement operation across the West Nile. This coordinated exercise led to the seizure of 169 illegal gaming machines found operating without the requisite licenses and regulatory approval. The enforcement drive was conducted in the areas of Arua city, Maracha, Koboko, odramachako, Alaba, Ombai, Arivu, Olubu, Ochidri, Terego, Madi-okollo, Bodo, Paidha, Nsombo, Goli, Nebbi, Nyaraburu, Pakwack, Dei and Panyamur.
Operating gaming equipment without a license is a clear violation of Uganda’s gaming laws and poses a serious threat to a fair, transparent, and safe gaming environment. Illegal operations often expose communities to unregulated practices, heighten the risk of minors and vulnerable individuals being exploited, and deny consumers the protections guaranteed under the law. They also fuel irresponsible gaming behaviour and erode public confidence in the regulated sector.
The Board urged all gaming operators to ensure that their gaming equipment, premises, and activities are fully licensed and compliant with regulatory requirements. Compliance is essential in promoting Responsible gaming practices Consumer protection Industry accountability Fair and transparent operations Sustainable sector growth Operators are encouraged to regularly verify the status of their licenses and adhere to all regulatory standards established by the Board.
Additionally, the Board also called upon members of the public to actively support enforcement efforts by reporting illegal gaming activities within their communities. Timely reporting strengthens enforcement operations and contributes to building a safer and more regulated gaming environment across Uganda.
The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board remains committed to protecting the public from harmful gaming practices while promoting a lawful and well-regulated industry. Through continuous inspections, targeted enforcement operations, stakeholder engagement, and public awareness campaigns, the Board continues to uphold the integrity of Uganda’s gaming sector and advance responsible gaming nationwide.
