Uganda\u2019s Parliament passed the Lotteries and Gaming (Amendment) Bill 2026<\/strong> in April, introducing a harmonised 30 per cent gaming tax across casinos, betting and gaming operations, alongside a new 15 per cent withholding tax on player winnings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The memorandum <\/strong>accompanying the bill, tabled in Parliament on April 1, states that the <\/strong>reforms are intended to \u201charmonise\u201d Uganda\u2019s gambling tax structure across betting and gaming activities. The new framework is scheduled to officially come into force on July 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a Uganda tax-preparation advisory published on May 5, Global Law Experts warned that \u201cthe window for operational preparation is narrow\u201d ahead of the implementation deadline, urging businesses to quickly align systems and compliance procedures <\/strong>with the new framework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Operators are now expected to update tax and accounting systems, revise payout structures<\/strong> and strengthen transaction reporting procedures as authorities move towards tighter financial oversight of the sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Authorities are also advancing plans for a centralised gambling payment system<\/strong> linked to the Uganda Revenue Authority in a bid to improve transaction visibility and strengthen tax collection across the sector. Operators failing to comply with the new framework could face significant penalties and tighter regulatory scrutiny once the reforms come into force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Industry data cited by gaming media shows Uganda\u2019s interactive gambling market generated approximately $435.3m in gross win revenue in 2025, with projections suggesting the sector could surpass $1bn by 2029<\/strong>. However, offshore gambling activity remains a major challenge, with industry reports estimating that offshore operators accounted for more than 26 per cent of Uganda\u2019s interactive gambling market last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before Parliament passed the legislation in April, Uganda\u2019s Gaming and Betting Alliance<\/strong> urged lawmakers to reconsider the proposed increase, recommending a rise from 20 per cent to 25 per cent rather than a full jump to 30 per cent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The alliance warned that higher taxes could place additional pressure<\/strong> on licensed operators and formal market participation, while industry analysts have suggested the reforms could leave Uganda with one of the highest gambling tax burdens in Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The developments come as several African jurisdictions, including Kenya, South Africa and Zimbabwe, continue tightening gambling regulation and increasing focus on taxation and compliance oversight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ugandan regulators have also intensified enforcement efforts<\/strong> in recent months, including crackdowns on illegal gaming machines and unlicensed betting operations. Reports indicate that more than 1,400 illegal gaming machines have been confiscated during recent enforcement campaigns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\r\n\t\tIndustry concerns mount<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/focusgn.com\/africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/04\/tax-calculator-1024x680-300x200.jpg\")
\r\n\t\t\t\t