The Best Online Casinos in Uganda – Safe Ugandan Operators & Bonuses

This page will break down the various elements of each gambling site and the legality of the activity in Uganda. In addition, we have included a section on some of the most well-known Ugandan land-based casinos. Read on to learn why Uganda’s top online casinos are not a scam.

The Results of Our Tests: The Top Casinos in Uganda

We use strict criteria to determine whether a gambling site can be trusted or not. All casinos in our reviews need to pass our various safety tests, offer bonuses (some casinos will not offer bonuses in Uganda) and carry a decent selection of the industry’s most fun casino games. Below is a list of the best online casinos in Uganda. Click ‘To the Casino’ to start playing.

The reason we have selected the casinos above, rather than others, is that each one is tailored for Ugandan players. Although there are many other sites that accept players from the country, many are not licenced by the Uganda Gambling Board and don’t take necessary precautions to protect players. In addition, they have interesting welcome bonuses suitable for certain players.

Best Online Casino for Uganda Players at a Glance – 2024‘s Test Winner

We believe that every site in our ranking is among the very best of the best on the Ugandan market. However, one site stood apart from the rest thanks to its commitment to security, fair payouts and great games. That’s why we’ve named it as our top casino overall.

A Guide to the Best Casino Sites in Uganda

So how does one find a safe online casino in Uganda? We mentioned earlier that we have examined the sites recommended on this page, so the quickest way to find a trustworthy site is to choose one from the list above. However, there are ways in which you can test a site for yourself. A good online casino – at which Ugandans can play — will generally have the following six things found in the chart below. Above all though, a site’s security should always be the first thing you check.

Not only is it important for a casino to be safe, but a player should also understand the legal situation in their country so that they are also safe from the law. There are many sites out there who will accept players from countries, although gambling is illegal in said country. Sites that behave in such a manner are not to be trusted. To avoid any legal troubles, brush up on Uganda’s legal situation in our gambling laws section.

1. Safety and Scam Protection When Playing for Real Money

Wherever there is money to be made, you can be certain that nefarious types will try to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers. As a result, there are unfortunately many scam sites online. Before spending any of your real money, it is imperative that you check the safety and trustworthiness of a website. The easiest way to know if an operator can be trusted is if you can find a licence from the Uganda Gambling Board. Not many sites have gone through the lengths it takes to obtain one of these licences, but a few have.

All of the best online casino sites Uganda offers will also have necessary internet security to protect players’ sensitive financial and personal data. Simply look for a padlock icon in the address bar of a website. You can click on the lock to read a specific site’s security certificate. SSL encryption is a common way to secure data. Should you click on the lock, you will also be able to find information detailing the specifics of what each type of security guarantees. Another important aspect of staying protected is to brush up on your country’s legal stance on gambling.

2. Secure Payments – Depositing and Withdrawing Safely

The internet has made online payments a breeze. And any of Uganda’s top online casinos will accept a handful of payment options. Below are some of the most popular deposit and withdrawal methods accepted at Ugandan casinos. All methods are safe, you just need to decide for yourself which you prefer.

As you can see, not all methods are suitable for both deposits and withdrawals. Make sure to read the T&Cs of a casino before you make payments, because many sites will only allow users to withdraw funds in the same method, with which they paid. Bear in mind that most online operators do not accept Ugandan currency and instead force Ugandans to play using USD. Please make sure you adjust your spending according to the USD amount. Not all payment methods will qualify for a welcome bonus either. Jackpot City is one casino that has fully been optimised for Ugandans and their needs. The operator allows players to play with USh.

2.1. PayPal: Recommended Payment Method

There are almost as many payment options to choose from as there are casino sites, and it can be hard to choose one that is both easy to use and safe. In our opinion, PayPal is the simplest and safest way to make online casino payments. The reason is that, when using PayPal, customers don’t have to go through the cumbersome process of entering in bank details. All they have to do is enter in their PayPal account info and secure password. If you’d like to use the service, it is best to scroll to a website’s footer and see if the site accepts it.

Unfortunately, the state of Ugandan online casino gaming has not caught up to the rest of the online gambling world. Not all of the best Uganda online casino sites accept deposits and withdrawals with PayPal. If this is the case, you will either need to find a new site, or select a different payment service. Check out a list of the best paypal casinos for more info.

2.2. Limits and Fees

Perhaps it goes without saying, but different methods come with their own unique conditions which are usually set by specific casino sites. So, although a credit card payment may be instant at one site, it may take a few days at another. It is up to the player to find out what the payout and deposit times for their payment method is. The chart below will show you some of the differences between a few methods. Of course, deposit and withdrawal limits are different from casino to casino.

As you can see above, there are some methods that are good for any type of player, while others are more suitable to high rollers. If you are looking for fast payments, it is probably best to stick to E-wallets. If you prefer comfort and familiarity, you can use bank transfer payments/ debit cards, however the withdrawal times for these are slightly slower.

3. Reliable Customer Support Service

Customer support is an essential aspect of a good Ugandan casino site. The support staff of a gambling website is your first point of contact should anything go wrong. A top casino site should have multiple support channels like live chat, a hotline, or at the very least email. the importance of the customer service. The hard-working support staff will work hard to alleviate any ailments you may have experienced as a result of your gaming. They are also tasked with pointing players in the direction of help should one be experiencing problem gambling behavior.

4. Transparent and Fair Casino Bonus Terms for Ugandan Players

Experienced online casino players are familiar with the concept of casino bonuses, and many know that when it comes to free money, there is no such thing. Many welcome offers come with terms and conditions that must be met before one can benefit from a promotion. Here are the main aspects of bonus T&Cs.

• Wagering Requirements – Always check how many times an offer must be bet, before winnings can be withdrawn
• Expiration Period – Most welcome offers come with a set time limit, in which wagering requirements must be fulfilled.
• Payment Methods Accepted – Not all payment types qualify players for a welcome promotion. Read the T&Cs to see if your method is accepted.
• Game Contribution – Typically, welcome offers are only useful for fans of slot games. Table games usually don’t count towards fulfilling requirements.

5. Rich Casino Games Selection

With so many casino choices out there, I couldn’t think of any reason to play at a site that doesn’t have a rich selection of casino games. Ugandans, however, are little limited when it comes to available games. We don’t really know the reason, but operators like Jackpot City have a much smaller selection of games on their Ugandan site than their other country casinos or any other of the best slots sites .

Although some Ugandan sites have abridged games selections, others have their entire casino library on offer. However, these sites usually require Ugandans to play with USD, meaning you may have to spend more money than you want to. Keep that in mind if it is important for you to play with Ugandan currency.

6. Stable Software Compatible with All Devices

Mobile compatibility is an essential aspect of top online casinos. Although you may be playing on a smartphone or tablet, if you choose one of one of our recommended sites, you can be certain that your mobile experience is 100% safe and secure. To access mobile casino, you just need to visit an online operator while in a mobile internet browser, and you should be taken directly to the mobile version of the site. Should you prefer apps, you’ll be happy to learn that some online casino sites will offer downloadable apps for Android or iOS devices.

What You Need to Know to Play Legally in the Country

When it comes to gambling, each country has its own laws. And some countries have regional laws that affect the legality in certain locations. Some nations have outlawed online casino gambling. And some nefarious or scam sites will still advertise their services illegally. For numerous reasons, it is absolutely essential to understand whether gambling, online and offline, are allowed in the country where you are playing. The next sections of my page will look at the legality of the activity in Uganda and answer the question, are online casinos legal in Uganda? Below you can see the topics covered.

Gambling Laws and Authorities in Uganda

As residents are probably aware gambling is a legal activity for players 25+ years of age. For years, Ugandans have spent a decent amount of income on gambling per year. The government took notice and have since implemented measures with which to protect players and increase revenue through taxes. The country established a governing body to carry out these duties. The organisation responsible is the National Gaming Board of Uganda. The Gaming Board is in charge of regulating and taxing online gaming, as well as lotteries, sports betting and offline casino betting in the country.

The National Gaming Board of Uganda was established in 2016 under section 4 of the Lotteries and Gaming Act. One of the plans of the board is to force fall Ugandan gamblers to sign up at a central monitoring system to track gambler’s activity. At this moment, the government knows the activity takes place, but does not have specific gambling data. To get a licence, a site must submit an application for approval that the UNGBU will investigate. Should the site live up to the Board’s standards, a licence will be issued. However, the president has ordered that no new licenses be issued for sports betting, gaming and gambling companies. Existing licences are valid until expiration but will not be renewed.

Gambling Taxation – Do You Owe Taxes After a Win

One of the most common reasons that states decide to regulate gambling is with the hopes of getting revenue through taxes. In addition, funds collected from winnings are often allocated in some way or another to services that help problem gamblers. The Uganda Revenue Authority is tasked with collecting gaming taxes, and in 2016 gained 35 billion Ugandan shillings. Over 400 online gaming companies are accessible to Ugandan punters, and there is concern that it may be used to launder money. The country had a 35% tax on the industry but has now forced residents to share the burden. Thus, gambling winnings (gaming & sports betting) are taxed 15%. Edgar Agaba, the director of the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board describes the tax as necessary evil.

Other countries are dealing with similar issues when it comes to gambling. Many sub-Saharan African nations are grappling with challenges. Kenya introduced a 35% profit tax on gambling. A recent U.S. government study, suggests that gambling is becoming a major problem for young sub-Saharan Africans. And about 70% of Uganda’s population (under 30) are involved with betting activities. Many countries have decided to deal with the issue by banning the activity outright.

Most Important Legal Texts

With regards of important texts, most important legislation can be accessed from the official website of the National Gaming Board of Uganda. The Lotteries and Gaming (Betting) Regulations, 2017 document outlaws a large portion of the country’s laws. It establishes the legal operational hours for gambling facilities, describes what type of ads are legal, and more. 2016’s Lotteries and Gaming Act is what established the nation’s gaming regulatory body, which could now regulate the lotteries, casino gaming and sports betting licensing. Most of the texts on the site, however, are only the concern of operators, and are there to set guidelines of how sites or casinos can be run.

What the Future Might Hold

Early in 2019, Uganda’s online gambling market was shaken when the country’s president announced a decision to ban gambling in Uganda. The country will not issue out any licences and will not renew existing licences (although current ones are allowed valid until they run out). Uganda’s Finance Minister Matia Kasaija clarified the move stating, “We’re not banning gaming. We’re saying this activity should be limited to only Ugandans.” The goal is to allow operations by companies that have a vested interest in growing Uganda’s economy, rather than allow foreign companies to direct revenue out of the nation. Only time will tell what this will mean for the best online casinos in Uganda, but I suspect most of the top sites will end up being Ugandan owned.

Comparison with Other Markets

There is no doubt that gambling is an extremely popular activity in Uganda, especially amongst the nation’s youth. Although the country isn’t as restrictive as other (especially middle-eastern) markets, the fact that they have decided to block foreign gambling providers sets a new precedent in the region. Most global markets, in which online gambling is legal, are characterised by massive competition/ saturation. The UK for example has hundreds of different online casino operators and accepts sites that aren’t even based in the UK (as long as they qualify for a UKGC licence).

Curious Facts About the Market

The Ugandan gambling market is interesting for a few reasons. However, it seems like political consensus views the activity as a problem. Lots of Ugandands gamble and many have what could be qualified as a gambling problem. The growth of mobile sports betting sites has only managed to exacerbate the problems the country is facing. That is why they nation has taken a strict stance towards foreign companies that don’t really have the interest of Ugandans in mind. Uganda is one of the few nations that requires that its gamblers register with a central agency, so that their activity can be monitored.

Gambling Statistics

Because online gambling has only been regulated for a few years in Uganda, the country simply doesn’t have the available statistics that places like South Africa and the UK have. However, it is has become clear that gambling, specifically sports betting, is immensely popular among Ugandans, especially those under 30. Recent statistics suggest that more than 70 per cent of adults under 30 are engaged in some form of the activity.

More than a quarter of smartphone users gamble on the devices and 90% of sportsbook customers choose to gamble online. Although the boom in gambling has many politicians concerned about the country’s future, many feel that the potential revenue developed by the product can’t be ignored.

Over the past few years, there has been a rapid increase in tax revenue from gambling. In the four years leading up to 2018, government data suggests that there was more than a fourfold increasing in gaming tax revenue. Of course, the government’s new stance towards gambling will affect this revenue stream, however many officials were quick to point out that most of the money spent with foreign operators ends up leaving the country anyways. Something will have to change though, since an Economic Policy Research Centre study concluded that 73.2 per cent of those who gamble, view gaming as a source of livelihood rather than leisure.

Gambling Resorts

Although Uganda isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when people think of the world’s most famous gambling locations, the country houses 12 land-based Uganda casino resorts. Nine of the twelve are based in Kampala, Uganda’s capital. In addition to the Uganda casino resorts, residents can also play the lottery and engage in sports betting (although this looks as though it may change). Although there are a few casino options available, sports betting is by far the most popular form of gambling in the nation (there are 40 sports betting companies in the country). The following sections will look at Ugandan casino resorts specifically.

The Mayfair Casino & Club

The Mayfair Kampala was opened by the East African Casinos company at the beginning of 2008 and includes an Italian restaurant on its premises. The Mayfair Kampala is one of three casinos associated with the brand located in Africa. The others two are located in Nairobi, Kenya. The site has a decent atmosphere, and stunning Egyptian-esque architecture. There is complimentary food and drink for all customers. Here are some of the interesting facts and statistics about the casino resort.

In Uganda the most popular casino game is by far roulette. Not only are people drawn to its simplicity, but the game also has a sort of social aspect that is missing from things like slots. Players enjoy the atmosphere of the table and the excitement that comes when somebody wins big. As a result, roulette is prominently featured at the Mayfair Kampala.

Casino Simba

Casino Simba, not to be confused with Casimba casino, is perhaps the King of Ugandan casinos. The resort is located in the Garden City Mall complex Kampala and is the largest gambling location in the country measuring at just over 16,000 square feet. The building features more than 130 gaming machines and 22 tables including poker games. However, gambling isn’t the only thing you can do at Simba. There is also a quality continental restaurant, a bar and regular live performances by bands.

Simba is part of the Pasha Global Group that has its headquarters in Suriname. The group was founded in 2003 and is a casino investment company that operates hotels & gambling sites in numerous countries. The company has more than 1000 employees and operates the Atlantis Resort, Mirage and Lely Hills Hotel in Suriname. Pasha currently operates over 50 gambling establishments in four continents.

Famous Ugandan Gamblers

The most popular casino games in Uganda tend to be roulette and slots. In-terms of gambling, the most prevalent activity is sports betting. These games tend to be largely individual and don’t produce famous gambling talent. When we talk about well-known players, we usually refer to professional poker players. Although a slot may produce a big winner, these people never become famous. Uganda doesn’t really have any globally well-known or famous gamblers.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’ve made it this far – thank you for reading! We hope that this page answered all of your questions about online casinos in Uganda. If there’s anything you’re still unsure about, take a moment to read our frequently asked questions below.

🥇 What are the best online casinos in Uganda?

Though we feel that the sites featured on this page all represent the absolute best that Uganda has to offer, we believe that 22Bet is the best online casino in Uganda overall.

🥇 Which is the top Uganda casino?

To introduce you to the top Ugandan online casinos, we've assembled them into a ranking on our page. These sites impressed us with their dedication to player safety and great game selections.

🤚 Are online casinos legal in Uganda?

Yes, online casinos are legal in Uganda. To learn more about Uganda's gambling laws, we recommend that you read our guide to legal gambling.

🤔 Can I win real money at online casinos in Uganda?

Absolutely, you can definitely win real money at online casinos in Uganda. However, in order to do so, you will need to bet real money first. To learn how, you should read our overview of the available payment methods.

🥇 Which Uganda casino has the best payouts?

We believe that all of the sites featured here have the best payouts out of all the online casinos on the Ugandan market. Payouts are, however, only one factor we screen for when selecting sites. You can check out our criteria for the others.

Top Offer for Playing Real Money Games in Uganda

The gambling industry is simply booming in Uganda, and more and more sites are trying to penetrate the market. However, many of these don’t have the reliability and trustworthiness found at Jackpot City Casino. This, in our opinion is the best online casino in Uganda. Not only does it hold a licence from the National Gaming Board, but it has a great selection of casino games. If that wasn’t enough, they are also a world-renowned sportsbook, making it a one stop shop for all of your gambling needs.