NLGRB reviews AML obligations with casino operators ahead of 2026 licence renewals
The board reminded operators of their role in keeping Uganda off the FATF grey list following the nation’s removal from it in February 2024.
Uganda.- Uganda’s gambling regulator, the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB), has held a meeting with casino operators to reinforce anti-money laundering practices across the sector.
The engagement, which took place on March 3 at the board’s offices in Kampala, was attended by casino representatives from across the country. Conducted by the NLGRB’s regulatory compliance team, the session addressed operators’ responsibilities under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, Cap. 118. Discussions focused on identifying suspicious transactions, filing reports and understanding the penalties for non-compliance.
A major focus was the 2028 mutual evaluation by the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG), aimed at reviewing Uganda’s entire anti-money laundering framework. The board reminded operators of their role in keeping Uganda off the FATF grey list following the nation’s removal from it in February 2024, after addressing earlier weaknesses in its system.
An NLGRB spokesperson said: “The upcoming 2028 mutual evaluation requires collective responsibility from all reporting entities, including casinos. Compliance is not optional.”
Operators were urged to follow directives from the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) and the board to strengthen standards across the sector.
The meeting also highlighted the stricter AML rules introduced by the NLGRB for 2026 licence renewals. Casinos must now register with the FIA and submit annual reports on money laundering risks, with non-compliance subject to fines, licence suspension or legal action under the Lotteries and Gaming Act, 2016.
