Gaming has evolved into a vibrant and dynamic industry, offering entertainment, employment, rental income, donations through Corporate Social Responsibility, and revenue. Why Responsible Gaming?
In Uganda, the sector continues to grow rapidly, supported by digital innovation and a youthful population.
However, this growth comes with critical responsibilities for both the regulator and operators to ensure that gaming remains a safe, responsible, and sustainable form of entertainment.
At the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB), our mandate goes beyond regulation; we are custodians of public interest.
Responsible gaming is at the heart of everything we do, and it calls for constant vigilance and deliberate action to tackle two of the industry’s most pressing challenges: Problem gambling or gaming addiction and underage gaming.
Understanding Gaming Addiction
Gaming addiction is a complex issue that transcends financial loss. It affects individuals’ mental health, family relationships, productivity, and overall well-being.
As the lines between recreation and compulsion blur, more people, especially young adults, are vulnerable to falling into cycles of addictive behavior.
Research from mental health professionals, including our partners at Butabika National Referral Hospital, highlights that gaming addiction often co-exists with other mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression.
For example, a 2023 research study conducted by the Board on the drivers of problem gambling and the socio-economic effects of gambling in Uganda uncovered valuable insights that have been instrumental in shaping policy decisions.
The study covered a sample of 1,739 individuals across 14 districts, providing a broad understanding of gambling patterns and their impact on society.
According to the findings, 99% of the gamblers were men, and 58% were below the age of 30.
Additionally, 48% of the gamblers reported that their mental health was not good on at least one day in the last 30 days preceding the survey. This implied that they experienced stress, emotional distress, anxiety, and depression.
As the Board, we recognize the need for proactive, preventive interventions. That is why we have invested in multi-stakeholder partnerships, awareness campaigns, and community outreach programs to educate Ugandans about the signs of gaming addiction and available support systems, as well as financial literacy.
Additionally, we are working closely with licensed operators to enforce player protection mechanisms such as deposit limits, self-exclusion programs, and real-time risk alerts.
The Danger of Underage Gaming
One of the most alarming trends in the gaming sector is the increasing exposure of minors to gambling products.
Whether through digital platforms, betting shops, or proxy participation, underage gaming not only violates the law but endangers the lives of young people who are not developmentally equipped to handle the risks and consequences.
Underage individuals are more impressionable and more likely to develop lifelong harmful gambling habits. This issue also undermines the credibility and sustainability of the gaming sector.
To combat this, the NLGRB has intensified enforcement operations with support from the Uganda Police to close down illegal and non-compliant operators.
We are also scaling up our education and sensitization efforts in schools with support from the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Ministry of Health, communities, and through digital media. However, we cannot do this alone.
Parents, guardians, teachers, and community leaders must play an active role in monitoring and curbing young people’s exposure to gaming.
Operators must implement robust age verification systems not as an afterthought, but as a standard requirement of doing business responsibly.
Building a Culture of Responsible Gaming
Responsible gaming is not a one-time campaign. It is a culture that must be cultivated continuously through policy, education, innovation, and collaboration.
As NLGRB, we are leading efforts to amend the Lotteries and Gaming Act Cap. 334 to strengthen provisions around consumer protection and responsible gaming.
These amendments will provide a firmer legal basis for sanctions against violators and empower us to work more effectively with stakeholders to protect the public from the adverse effects of gaming.
Equally important is the role of public education. Through our community engagements and partnerships with institutions like the Bank of Uganda and other financial institutions, we are integrating financial literacy into the responsible gaming conversation.
Players need to understand not only how to play responsibly, but also how to manage their money and plan for the future. This is why we emphasize using only disposable income in gaming and playing with only what you can afford to lose. It is a Game of Chance!
A Shared Responsibility
Ultimately, ensuring a safe and responsible gaming environment is a shared responsibility. Regulators, operators, communities, and individual players must each play their part.
We need to normalize conversations about addiction, destigmatize seeking help, and empower people with the knowledge to make informed decisions.
The future of Uganda’s gaming industry depends not just on innovation or growth metrics, but on our collective ability to protect the public from gaming harm and promote gaming as only a form of entertainment.
At the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board, we are committed to building a gaming ecosystem that is fair, fun, and above all, responsible.
