ID cards also required
The government of Uganda has announced new measures it says will curb gambling among young people in the East African country. The plan includes an increase in gaming industry taxes and a new requirement that residents display identification cards in order to enter a gaming hall. According to the All Africa website, the government is also considering a tax on winnings.
The Uganda Revenue Authority collected US$9.6 million from gaming in the past financial year. Edgar Agaba, executive director of the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board, recently said young people are more likely to gamble online and expressed concern that the virtual industry is not as easy to regulate as land-based operations. About 400 online gaming companies are accessible to Ugandan punters, the website reported, sparking fears that gambling could be used to launder money.
“Trying to stop gaming is a waste of time,” Agaba said. “We are going to work with the Financial Intelligence Authority to see how to track this.”
The new regulations require those who enter or play at a gaming hall to be at least 25 years of age. “Any operator of those gaming sites—both online and land-based—risks having their licenses revoked or suspended if found permitting under-25s to gamble. Culprits face up to two years in jail or a fine of Ush1 million (US$285.70),” Agaba said.
