Betting Companies Withhold Shs 2.6 Billion in Winnings from Ugandan Gamblers

Betting and gaming companies in Uganda withheld at least Shs 2.6 billion in winnings owed to players during the current financial year, according to the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB).

The regulator revealed that 125 gamblers filed complaints after operators allegedly failed to pay out their winnings. The affected players turned to the board seeking intervention to recover money they believed they had legitimately won through licensed gaming platforms.

NLGRB Chief Executive Officer Denis Ngabirano said the regulator has so far resolved 112 of the 125 complaints, helping players recover their winnings after investigations verified their claims.

He explained that operators are required to maintain security bonds as part of their licensing conditions. These bonds act as a safeguard for players and can be used to compensate individuals when gaming companies fail to honor legitimate winnings.

“If a player wins and is not paid, and we establish that the claim is genuine, we can use the operator’s security bond to compensate the player,” Ngabirano said.

According to the regulator, the threat of losing a license if the bond is accessed has encouraged operators to respond quickly whenever disputes arise over unpaid winnings.

The board said the complaints highlight the importance of regulatory oversight in Uganda’s rapidly growing betting industry. Through its National Central Electronic Monitoring System, the regulator tracks gaming transactions and investigates disputes between players and operators.

Officials say the system allows them to verify claims and ensure that licensed companies comply with industry regulations designed to protect consumers.

The revelations come as Uganda’s gaming sector continues to expand, generating billions of shillings in tax revenue annually. However, regulators insist that protecting players and ensuring fair treatment remains their primary responsibility.

The NLGRB has urged gamblers to report any cases where operators refuse to pay legitimate winnings, assuring the public that mechanisms exist to investigate complaints and recover funds where evidence supports the claims.