NLGRB launches awareness drive in Rakai schools to curb teen betting
One teacher at a Rakai school revealed that several students confessed to spending their lunch money on bets, only to feel regretful when they got hungry later in the day.
Uganda.- The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) has rolled out a school-based awareness drive last week in Rakai District to curb underage betting among students. Teams from the board’s Responsible Gaming Department visited five secondary schools, speaking directly to more than 3,000 students, teachers and school leaders about the legal and personal toll of early gambling.
The effort zeroed in on students who face daily temptations from mobile apps and friends urging quick bets on sports matches. The teams made clear that Uganda’s Lotteries and Gaming Act Cap 334 bans anyone under 25 from gambling, a rule meant to shield young people during key years of growth.
Sessions unpacked how betting steals time from studies, leading to dropped grades and unfinished homework. One teacher at a Rakai school revealed that several students confessed to spending their lunch money on bets, only to feel regretful when they got hungry later in the day.
Denis Mudene Ngabirano, CEO of the NLGRB said: “Gambling starts small but cuts deep, like a razor blade. Harmless fun can quickly turn into a destructive addiction, leaving teens struggling to afford basic needs and grappling with overwhelming shame that can lead to suicidal thoughts.”
A recent study backs this up, with about 70 per cent of Ugandan youth already dabbling in betting, often starting before high school through ads on social media or phones slipped under desks.
Educators at the schools raised alarms about slick promotions during football games or on platforms like Instagram, where operators push easy wins to draw in kids. The board’s team handed out pamphlets and led group discussions to build skills for saying no, urging kids to channel energy into books or sports instead.
This push in Rakai builds on earlier school visits by the NLGRB. In June, similar talks at a school in eastern Uganda reached 3,500 students, where three shared stories of betting away fees meant for uniforms.
The board plans to expand these visits nationwide, linking them to community events and health initiatives, such as a recent team-up with Uganda’s AIDS Commission to promote safer messaging in betting shops.
By sharing these stories, the NLGRB hopes to change behaviours early on, setting teens up for stable futures and successful careers. Officials believe that expanding this initiative could reduce the burden on schools and families, demonstrating that open discussions are more effective than strict rules alone. The board also invites reports of underage access at its hotline, underscoring a commitment to follow through on its message.
