NLGRB strengthens gambling regulation agenda at ICE Barcelona 2026
A key highlight of the NLGRB’s participation was its involvement in a high-level Africa-focused roundtable discussion.
Uganda.- The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) has reinforced its commitment to modern, coordinated gambling regulation following its participation in ICE Barcelona 2026, one of the world’s largest and most influential exhibitions for the regulated gambling and gaming industry.
Held in Barcelona from January 19 to 21, ICE Barcelona 2026 convened regulators, operators, technology providers, lotteries and policy experts from across global jurisdictions to examine regulatory reform, innovation and sustainable gaming practices. The event drew hundreds of regulators and thousands of industry stakeholders, underscoring its growing importance as a platform for regulatory dialogue and policy alignment.
The NLGRB delegation was led by Chief Executive Officer Denis Mudene Ngabirano and included William Blick, Faridah Bahemuka and Esther Akullo. Throughout the exhibition and conference programme, the delegation engaged with international counterparts on regulatory best practices, institutional reforms and emerging oversight tools shaping the future of regulated gambling markets.
A key highlight of the NLGRB’s participation was its involvement in a high-level Africa-focused roundtable discussion. The session brought together regulators, operators and industry leaders from multiple African jurisdictions to exchange experiences on market supervision and cross-border challenges. Discussions emphasised that pan-African collaboration is increasingly essential for effective regulation, particularly as digital gaming platforms expand across borders and regulatory risks become more interconnected.
Participants also explored the role of technology in strengthening regulatory oversight. During the event, the NLGRB team engaged with experts demonstrating advanced monitoring solutions for electronic gaming machines and digital platforms. These technology-driven tools are designed to enhance compliance, enable real-time supervision and improve transparency within regulated gaming environments, aligning with broader global efforts to combat illegal markets and promote responsible gambling.
ICE Barcelona 2026 placed strong emphasis on regulatory cooperation, integrity and sustainability through initiatives such as the Sustainable Gambling Zone and expanded regulatory programmes. For the NLGRB, the engagements provided practical insights into global regulatory trends, digital gaming reforms and institutional integrity frameworks.
The board said the experience will inform its ongoing efforts to strengthen regulatory capacity, support responsible gaming and contribute to a more coordinated and effective gambling regulatory environment in Uganda and across the African continent, in line with evolving international standards.
