Uganda’s NLGRB urges bettors to check operators’ displayed licences after illegal machines seized
Regulatory Board encourages Ugandans to bet responsibly and only use licensed operators as police seize unregistered gaming machines in Lira City.
Uganda.- Uganda’s National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) has urged bettors to check licence numbers and confirm that operators display the NLGRB logo before placing bets. The warning follows a major crackdown in Lira City on October 21, where several illegal gambling machines were seized.
The operation, conducted in collaboration with the Uganda Police Force and dubbed “Mashine Haramu” (illegal machine), targeted bars and hidden gambling establishments. Over 30 unlicensed gaming machines were confiscated from various locations including Corner Kamdini and Teso Bar, and they are scheduled for destruction.
Operators running illegal setups face fines or imprisonment under Section 67 of the Lotteries and Gaming Act, Cap 334, as investigations continue to identify responsible parties.
The NLGRB stressed that all licensed operators must display their licence visibly, complete with the NLGRB logo and a scannable verification code.
Jackline Kamakune, NLGRB Senior Communications Officer, said according to the Monitor: “As a government body, for us to protect you as a punter or player, we need to ensure you work with the right operator, with the right manufacturer or supplier of these gaming machines. You should see the licence pinned somewhere on the walls near the counters. You will be able to know that this operator is licensed.”
Residents claim rigged machines
Bettors in Lira implied that some operators were deliberately running rigged machines to favour themselves over players. Local residents described the illegal machines as unfair to customers.
Omara Mi said: “There is a way these people have set their slot machines, and on average, I waste Shs20,000 (€5) on these machines.”
Innocent Ayepa said: “Each time I get some money, I feel like I should go and play the machine so that I get some profit, but at the end of the day, the money that should have helped you sort out some pressing needs is taken. The machines favour the operators but not the players. Even when you win, they don’t want to pay you.”
Since September 2025, more than 6,000 illegal gaming machines have been confiscated nationwide, with more than 3,000 destroyed. The NLGRB continues to encourage the public to report suspicious gaming activities and promotes responsible gambling practices to safeguard the financial well-being of Ugandans.
