Tax Crackdown: Gov’t Moves To Route All Betting Payouts Through Bank Of Uganda

By Spy Uganda

The Ugandan government has proposed a new law that would require all betting, gaming, and casino payouts to be routed through a centralized system managed by the Bank of Uganda—a move aimed at tightening regulation and increasing transparency in the industry.

This proposal is embedded in the Tax Procedures Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025, currently under review by Parliament’s Committee on Finance.

According to government officials, the primary objective is to streamline monitoring of transactions in the betting and gaming sector, making it easier for the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) to ensure that all taxable earnings are properly declared and collected.

At present, some operators have been accused of underreporting or delaying tax payments, leading to significant revenue losses for the state. By mandating centralized processing of all payouts, authorities aim to create a transparent digital trail of all transactions.

The proposed system will be directly linked to the URA’s electronic notice system, enabling real-time tracking of funds across the industry. To simplify the process for both operators and players, National Identification Numbers (NINs) will replace Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) in most gaming-related tax procedures.

The move is also intended to curb illegal financial activity. The government has expressed growing concern over the potential for money laundering and terrorism financing within the largely unregulated corners of the gaming sector.

Denis Mudene Ngabirano, Chief Executive Officer of the National Lotteries and Gaming Board, emphasized the widespread presence of unlicensed gaming operators in remote parts of the country. He noted that the centralized system will play a critical role in identifying and shutting down these illegal activities.

This legislative push is part of a broader government strategy to expand Uganda’s tax base and plug revenue leakages. The Ministry of Finance has tabled several tax reform bills in recent months, all aimed at building a more equitable and enforceable tax framework.

Stakeholders in the gaming industry will be invited to share their views on the bill during parliamentary consultations. If enacted, the law is expected to transform Uganda’s approach to gaming regulation—improving compliance, enhancing oversight, and ultimately boosting national revenue.