Sports betting in Uganda operates under the Lotteries and Gaming Act, 2016, which formally legalised and regulated gambling activities nationwide (1). This legislation established the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) to oversee licensing, compliance, and enforcement across all betting operators (1).
Under the Act, any individual or company offering sports betting services must obtain a licence from the NLGRB, adhere to strict anti-money laundering protocols, and pay prescribed taxes on gaming revenues (2). Unlicensed operations face significant penalties, including fines and potential criminal prosecution (2).
"The objective of the Board is to supervise and regulate the establishment, management and operation of lotteries, gaming, betting and casinos in Uganda, and to protect the citizens from the adverse effects of gaming and betting in Uganda."
In addition to licensing, the NLGRB enforces a minimum gambling age of 25 and mandates that all betting platforms implement responsible gaming measures, such as self-exclusion options and public awareness campaigns on the risks of excessive gambling (1). The regulated market has since seen growth in both retail outlets and online portals, largely driven by mobile money integration and increased sports viewership.
Source:
https://lgrb.go.ug/
https://www.ugandalaws.com/statutes/principle-legislation/lotteries-and-gaming-act
Last updated: 22-05-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
