Uganda regulator says seizure of 102 illegal gaming machines reinforces regulated gambling industry integrity
NLGRB says the operation across three districts demonstrates its commitment to protecting players, strengthening compliance and safeguarding Uganda’s regulated gaming sector.
Uganda.- Uganda’s National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) says the seizure of 102 illegal gaming machines across three districts demonstrates its commitment to reinforcing the integrity of the country’s regulated gambling industry, while protecting players and strengthening compliance.
The unlicensed gaming machines were confiscated during Operation Mashine Haramu (Operation Illegal Machines), the Board’s nationwide enforcement campaign targeting illegal gaming activities and unlicensed gaming machines.
The regulator said in a statement released on July 21 that the operation represented more than an enforcement statistic, describing it as part of its broader effort to protect Uganda’s regulated gambling industry.
The NLGRB said: “This week, we confiscated 102 unlicensed gaming machines from Luuka, Mayuge and Kumi districts. On the surface, it’s an enforcement statistic. But beneath it lies something more significant.”
The regulator said unlicensed gaming machines pose wider risks to the regulated sector. “An unlicensed machine isn’t just operating outside the law. It exists outside the safeguards designed to protect players, ensure accountability and uphold the integrity of Uganda’s regulated gaming industry.”
The NLGRB said public confidence in the sector is built through consistent regulatory action rather than headlines alone, adding that enforcement plays a key role in maintaining trust in the country’s gambling environment.
The Board said it will continue expanding its enforcement footprint across Uganda to foster a gaming environment where compliance is expected, accountability is real and the public interest comes first.
Operation Mashine Haramu is the regulator’s nationwide enforcement initiative targeting illegal gaming activities and the removal of unlicensed gaming machines to strengthen compliance across Uganda’s regulated gaming sector.
The nationwide operation has led to the confiscation of thousands of unlicensed gaming machines across Uganda. On June 25, the NLGRB reported destroying 8,714 machines seized during a five-month enforcement campaign after obtaining court orders authorising their disposal.
