The small African nation of Uganda has banned sports betting and taken steps to phase out licensed gaming by not issuing new licenses and allowing existing ones to expire without possibility of renewal.
State Finance Minister for Planning David Bahati talked about this new policy at a thanksgiving ceremony for Bishop George Bagamuhunda in Kabale.
“We have received a directive from His Excellency the president that we should not license news sports betting companies, gaming and gambling companies and that we don’t renew the existing ones when they expire” the minister said.
The government is reacting to complaints for church leaders that gambling was becoming addictive among the youth and that they were spending large amounts of time doing it.
National Gaming Board Uganda Chairman Manzi Tumubweine expressed not to know about the new government position, but said it was doubtful the government could “fully ban bettors.”
Since the passage of the Lotteries and Gaming Act 2016 the country’s gambling regulators have enforced laws against those under 25 participating in gaming.
Oddly if the government is going to shut down all gaming, last October it asked for proposals for casino, gaming and betting licenses for 2019.
