Uganda regulator pushes telecoms to play bigger role in illegal online gambling fight
NLGRB calls for telecom operators to go beyond blocking illegal betting sites by monitoring suspicious activity, flagging violations and educating consumers about unlicensed gambling.
Uganda.- Uganda’s National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) is seeking to expand the role of telecom operators in tackling illegal online gambling, calling on them to move beyond blocking unlawful betting sites and become “Responsible Gaming Ambassadors”.
NLGRB chief executive officer Denis Mudene made the call during a stakeholder engagement with telecom operators and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) at the Uganda Communications Commission Head Office on August 14.
According to an NLGRB press release, Denis Mudene said: “Blocking illegal gaming websites is important, but we must go further. Telecom operators can become ambassadors for responsible gaming.”
Mudene called on telecom operators to support three key areas: closer monitoring of internet traffic linked to betting sites, timely flagging of suspicious or illegal activity and consumer sensitisation on the risks of using unlicensed gambling platforms.
The call builds on existing cooperation between Uganda’s gaming and communications authorities, with telecom operators and ISPs already involved in efforts to identify and disrupt unlicensed online gambling activities and improve information-sharing with regulators. The latest engagement seeks to broaden that cooperation by placing greater emphasis on proactive responsible-gaming measures.
The regulator said cooperation between gaming regulators and ISPs has traditionally followed a process in which NLGRB identifies illegal betting sites, the Uganda Communications Commission issues a directive and operators comply by blocking access. While that system remains essential, the August engagement pointed to a shift from reactive compliance towards a more proactive partnership focused on protecting the public from gaming-related harm.
Expanding enforcement frontiers
The push comes as gaming increasingly shifts online, allowing illegal operators to reach consumers anywhere with an internet connection. NLGRB said this has expanded the enforcement challenge from physical gaming premises to online infrastructure, making telecom operators and ISPs critical partners in its regulatory efforts.
Mudene also highlighted the need for operators to pay attention to corporate users, noting that workplace environments may present unique risks where access to betting platforms is left unchecked.
NLGRB said the engagement forms part of its broader commitment to building partnerships that promote a safe, fair and responsible gaming environment in Uganda. By working closely with telecom operators and other stakeholders, the Board aims to strengthen enforcement, protect consumers and reduce the risks associated with illegal online gaming.
