Is Gambling Legal in Uganda?

This is a sports-led market, with football betting the dominant online activity according to pan-African surveys in 2024–2025.

Uganda operates a single-regulator model via the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB), established under the Lotteries and Gaming Act, 2016 (Act no. 7/2016). This Act was later complemented by statutory instruments from 2017 and updated fee rules in 2024.

NLGRB licenses and supervises lotteries, casinos, gaming and betting across retail and remote channels. Applications are submitted through the NLGRB e-Licensing System.

Online Gambling in Uganda

Regulatory Authority	National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB)
Key legislation	Lotteries and Gaming Act, 2016 (Act 7/2016) Lotteries and Gaming Regulations (2017) Lotteries and Gaming (Fees) Regulations (2024)
Allowed activities	Licensed online betting and online gaming/casino products offered under NLGRB authorisation
Prohibited activities	Among others: operating without a licence offering access to minors non-compliance with technical controls (e.g., central monitoring for machines)
Taxation and fees	Gaming tax (statutory) Licence/permit: from around €2,500 per vertical 2025 fiscal package (if enacted from 2025): 30% gaming tax sector-wide
Licence validity/duration	Every licence is valid until 31 December of the year issued; renewal must be filed at least two months before expiry
Benefits of the market	Single national regulator and streamlined process NLGRB is the one-stop authority; online applications via the e-licensing portal streamline submissions and tracking. The Act fixes licences to year-end (31 Dec) with defined renewal timing, simplifying operational calendars and budgeting. Active supervision & compliance tools Uganda provides a National Central Electronic Monitoring System for machines and NLGRB regularly runs responsible gaming campaigns.
SOFTSWISS products compliant	No products available at the moment

Land-Based Gambling in Uganda

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Key legislation	Lotteries and Gaming Act (2016) Lotteries and Gaming Regulations (2017)
Allowed activities	Among others: licensed casinos betting shops bingo/slot venues lotteries
Prohibited activities	Among others: operating without a licence non-compliant advertising consumer - protection breaches
Taxation	Between 20% and 30% of GGR depending on verticals.