{"id":11346,"date":"2025-10-24T09:09:35","date_gmt":"2025-10-24T12:09:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/focusgn.com\/africa\/?p=11346"},"modified":"2026-04-19T12:33:39","modified_gmt":"2026-04-19T15:33:39","slug":"ugandas-nlgrb-urges-bettors-to-check-operators-displayed-licenses-after-illegal-machines-seized","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/focusgn.com\/africa\/ugandas-nlgrb-urges-bettors-to-check-operators-displayed-licenses-after-illegal-machines-seized","title":{"rendered":"Uganda’s NLGRB urges bettors to check operators’ displayed licences after illegal machines seized"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Regulatory Board encourages Ugandans to bet responsibly and only use licensed operators as police seize unregistered gaming machines in Lira City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Uganda.- Uganda\u2019s National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board <\/strong>(NLGRB) has urged bettors to check licence numbers <\/strong>and confirm that operators display the NLGRB logo<\/strong> before placing bets. The warning follows a major crackdown in Lira City on October 21, where several illegal gambling machines<\/strong> were seized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The operation, conducted in collaboration with the Uganda Police Force<\/strong> and dubbed \u201cMashine Haramu\u201d<\/strong> (illegal machine), targeted bars and hidden gambling establishments. Over 30 unlicensed gaming machines were confiscated from various locations including Corner Kamdini<\/strong> and Teso Bar<\/strong>, and they are scheduled for destruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Operators running illegal setups face fines or imprisonment under Section 67 of the Lotteries and Gaming Act, Cap 334<\/strong>, as investigations continue to identify responsible parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The NLGRB stressed that all licensed operators must display their licence visibly<\/strong>, complete with the NLGRB logo and a scannable verification code<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jackline Kamakune<\/strong>, NLGRB Senior Communications Officer, said according to the Monitor: \u201cAs a government body, for us to protect<\/strong> you as a punter or player, we need to ensure you work with the right operator<\/strong>, with the right manufacturer or supplier of these gaming machines. You should see the licence pinned somewhere on the walls near the counters<\/strong>. You will be able to know that this operator is licensed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bettors in Lira implied that some operators were deliberately running rigged machines<\/strong> to favour themselves over players. Local residents described the illegal machines as unfair to customers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Omara Mi said: \u201cThere is a way these people have set their slot machines<\/strong>, and on average, I waste Shs20,000 (\u20ac5) <\/strong>on these machines.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Innocent Ayepa said: \u201cEach time I get some money, I feel like I should go and play the machine so that I get some profit<\/strong>, 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<\/strong> but not the players. Even when you win, they don\u2019t want to pay you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since September 2025, more than 6,000 illegal gaming machines<\/strong> have been confiscated nationwide<\/strong>, with more than 3,000 destroyed<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n
Residents claim rigged machines<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n