KAMPALA: A total of 99 illegal gaming premises have been closed in the period of one year for failing to meet required standards, the regulatory body said.
The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Uganda also said it confiscated 557 illegal slot machines and 29 unlicensed gaming devices.
“We carried out investigations and lodged three cases of illegal operation to DPP’s office,” explained Edgar Agaba, executive director of the Board, at Media Centre on Wednesday afternoon.
He however revealed that in the closing financial year, the gaming sector generated Shs22billion, projecting to raise Shs 42 billion in the next financial year.
Central Monitoring System
The regulatory body is soon introducing the Central Monitoring System, which Agaba said it will monitor the gaming activities.
“It will require one to register first before engaging in the gaming activities. You have to present your identity card. Unless you are registered, you will not be allowed to participate,”Agaba said.
Agaba argued also that the central monitoring system will protect the minors, stream line industry growth and increase revenue streams.
Laws regulating the business
In 2016, Parliament established LGRB as a body corporate, assigned the duty of enforcing the law.
Request for more powers
The board is now requesting the Parliament to give it powers to confiscate and destroy equipment, close illegal premises, impose fines among others.
Working with the Police, the board has been Lotteries impounding all illegal slot machines. The penalties you get when found guilty for operating illegal gaming machines, include imprisoning you for not less than two years and the impounded machines have to be destroyed.
The law also does not permit the operators to operate in areas below the minimum size of 30 square meters. And the law doesn’t permit to operate near Government offices, schools, churches or mosques.
Agaba said they have hired a firm to test all the equipment on the market, the substandard ones will be destroyed.
