Africa market focus: Uganda
In the first part of this four-part series, EGR Compliance examines emerging gambling markets for operators on the African continent in partnership with law firm Dentons
EGR Compliance,The main regulated verticals in UgandaThere are eight types of licences available in the Ugandan market
please note that activities under this licence may be different as the applicable laws are not entirely clear on the perimeter of this licence, namelyGambling taxIt should be separately noted that Ugandan licensees are also obliged to administer and withhold from players at the moment of cash-out the amount of withholding tax at the rate of 15%.TermstLicence feesinter alia
- portray, condone or encourage gambling behaviour that is socially irresponsible or could lead to financial, social or emotional harm;
- suggest that gambling can provide an escape from personal, professional or educational problems such as loneliness or depression;
- suggest that gambling can be a solution to financial concerns, an alternative to employment or a way to achieve financial security;
- portray gambling as indispensable or as taking priority in life; for example, over family, friends or professional or educational commitments;
- exploit cultural beliefs or traditions about gambling or luck
- prohibition to advertise unlicensed operators;
- obligation to include a special disclaimer about betting-related harm;
- requirements to the content used for advertising; advertisement should not:
- contain any lewd or indecent language, images or actions;
- present any game or bet directly or indirectly as a potential means of relieving financial or personal difficulties;
- encourage gaming or betting as a means of recovering past betting or other financial losses;
- contain claims or representations that persons who bet are guaranteed personal, financial or social success;
- requirements to the meaning of advertisement; it should not represent or imply that:
- betting is an alternative to employment or a means of acquiring financial security;
- winning is the probable outcome of gaming or betting;
- gaming or betting primarily involves skill;
- gaming or betting is a form of investment;
- the more or longer one gambles or bets, the greater the chances of winning;
- that gambling or betting is likely to make players’ dreams a reality
- requirements to the appearance of actors involved in the advertisement – they should not appear to be underage;
- requirements to the place of advertisement placement; it should not be placed:
- in any media primarily directed at minors;
- at venues where the majority of the audience may reasonably be expected to be minors; or
- on outdoor displays directed at schools, youth centres, technical, other tertiary or university students.