The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board and the Uganda Sports Press Association have Launched a Successful Collaboration on Responsible Gaming.
The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) together with Uganda Sports Press Journalists (USPA) convened to discuss Responsible gaming matters.
On October 16, 2024, staff and management of the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board, government officials, sports sector professionals, legal experts, and members of the media gathered at the Four Points by Sheraton for a stakeholder engagement. Some of the key leaders in attendance were the Shadow Minister of Sports and Member of Parliament Bukomansimbi South, Hon. Geofrey Ssolo Kayemba, Assistant General Secretary of the National Council of Sports Mr. Joseph Oluga, and USPA president Moses Alsayed Lubega.
NLGRB’s Chief Executive Officer Mr. Denis Mudene Ngabirano said the sports sector and the gaming industry are intertwined contributing to the rise in sports betting. “The collaboration between the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board and the Uganda Sports Press Association is to harness a great partnership and ensure that there is a safe environment for sports betting to thrive.” Denis added.
During the engagement the USPA president Mr. Moses Alsayed Lubega said that as a tool and medium of civic education, USPA was earmarked by the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board. “We will go to the communities, study their behavior, visit centers of rehabilitation and areas of data where we can then cascade it to the public. We have the power to project the Responsible gaming messages” Alsayad emphasized.
Another important aspect mentioned was the intermediary license. NLGRB’s Senior Manager Regulatory Compliance, Mr. Muteesaasira Richard Kavuma, reminded the sports press journalists that for one to share betting tips, they need to first acquire an intermediary license. In his presentation, he also cautioned journalists to desist from sharing betting tips without disclaimers of the adverse effects of gaming.
Journalists pledged to cooperating with the Board to safeguard the public from gaming harm, such as addiction, particularly through sports shows. Mr. Ivan Musenero, a mental health expert at Butabika National Referral Hospital, educated members on the many types of gambling addiction and urged them to check for behavioural patterns or symptoms, such as the desire to continue playing even when they lose money.
The NLGRB-UPSA engagement marked the first of many collaborations both parties will have to promote Responsible gaming and create opportunities in the gaming sector.
