Looking at the soccer odds with less than half a dollar as a minimum bet, Patrick Opade and his friends attempt to identify a sure winner…
“Its fun and at the same time its really challenging… sometimes you win… sometimes you loose… but in most cases you loose and that is the most unfortunate part about it.” Says Patrick Opade, a gambler
Gambling is big in Uganda and several shops have been sprawling up in major towns across the country.
“This business attracts all kinds of clients – from the trader to the corporate person… to a person who is working on the street… it’s an open business.” Says Adelle Agaba, BETAWAY Uganda
Online betting is now a big trend too, with betting companies saying that the number of people involved online has more than doubled.
“Look at the statistics of people using on phones in this country – and how many people are using internet… and the people using mobile money… because you have to have mobile money to be part of that circle – so it is very easy for people with phones to get on a betting platform.” Said Adelle Agaba, BETAWAY Uganda
With increased Internet penetration more peoplein Uganda now prefer betting online to walking into the shops which is proving to be a bigger challenge for authorities.”
While the National lottery board says revenue collected has increased from about 300,000 dollars ten years ago, to close to ten million dollars in 2016.The regulators are keen on controlling these betting platforms.
“This new law is meant to regulate betting and gaming – streamline activities but most importantly protect the innocent, the children and the families, because betting and gaming is very addictive and if you don’t understand what is going on – you can loose everything you have.” Said Manzi Tumubweinee, Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board, Uganda
Uganda says implementation of the policy has seen the number of betting and gaming companies reduce from 110 to less than 40 in ten years.
