In a move to revolutionize gaming oversight, the Government of the Republic of Uganda, represented by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MOFDED) and the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board, has entered into a transformative partnership with M/s Comtrade D.O.O and MTA Computers Ltd. The collaboration has resulted in the development of a National Central Electronic Monitoring System, a strategic initiative in line with Section 61 of the Lotteries and Gaming Act, 2016.
The system will address key challenges within the gaming and betting industry, and offer solutions that range from enhanced compliance and increased revenue collection, improved enforcement and prioritising responsible gaming.
Key Features of the National Central Electronic Monitoring System:
Enhanced Compliance Mechanisms:
Standardized reporting through various modules will ensure regulatory compliance across the gaming and betting sector.
Increased Revenue Collection:
Real-time monitoring of financial and non-financial transactions closes gaps in revenue collection, curbing tax evasion, and increasing financial transparency.
The Revenue
Collections from the sector have grown from shs 17.4Bn in FY 2015/2016 to 151.9Bn in FY 2022/2023. It is projected that UGX 160Bn will be collected in FY 2023/2024 and UGX 300Bn in FY 2024/2025.
Strengthened Enforcement Measures:
The system’s modules provide detailed insights into both online and offline gaming activities, empowering the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board to enforce effectively.
Commitment to Responsible Gaming:
The Player Protection Module will emphasize responsible gaming, protecting citizens from the adverse effects of gaming which is the main mandate of the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board by offering timely intervention measures.
Implementation Timeline and Milestones
The Online Reporting Module is already complete, with operators integrating onto the system.
Comtrade D.O.O, the consulting partner, has commenced the land-based assessment and is set to develop the associated module.
The entire system is expected to be fully operational by the end of June 2024.
The Board, in collaboration with strategic partners, continues to champion innovation for a more secure, transparent, and responsible gaming environment.
Source: National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board Uganda (NLGRB)