Exclusive: Building Trust in Uganda’s Gaming Scene: The Vision and Journey of Nasif K. Balinda
In just a few years, Nasif K. Balinda has gone from manning the tills of a local betting shop to co-founding Gaming Port Uganda, a platform reshaping the country’s gaming landscape through transparency, education, and responsible gambling advocacy.
With a background in marketing and a passion for building trust between players, operators, and investors, Nasif is on a mission to empower Uganda’s gaming community with credible insights, practical tools, and forward-thinking strategies. In this exclusive conversation, he shares his journey, the inspiration behind Gaming Port, and his vision for the future of Africa’s iGaming industry.
iGaming AFRIKA: Who is Nasif K. Balinda and how did you start a career in gaming?
Nasif Balinda: My full name is Nasifu Kaboyo Balinda, and I like to think of myself as a passionate student of marketing, living in Kampala, Uganda, where I was born and raised. My journey in the gaming industry began in 2018 when I took on a role as a customer service representative at a local betting shop. Starting as a cashier, I learnt the ins and outs of the industry, which eventually led me to become a branch manager for one of Uganda’s biggest betting brands.
Fast forward to 2020, I made the exciting leap into the digital side of gaming, joining an iGaming consulting firm in Kampala as the Head of Digital Marketing. This role deepened my understanding of the iGaming world and all its nuances. Later, I moved to Buffalo Consultants Limited as the head of marketing, where I further honed my skills and co-founded Gaming Port, a venture that has been both challenging and rewarding.
When I’m not discussing marketing strategies, you can find me writing articles on LinkedIn, where I enjoy sharing insights and experiences from my career. Outside of work, I’m a sports fan, particularly a passionate supporter of Manchester City.
So, that’s me in a nutshell.
iGaming AFRIKA: You recently launched Gaming Port Uganda. What is it all about and what are your key objectives with this brand?
Nasif Balinda: We recently launched Gaming Port Uganda, and it’s really exciting to see how it’s taking off. Essentially, Gaming Port is your go-to source for everything related to gambling in Uganda. We’ve created a directory that covers sports betting, casinos, lotteries, and more. We share news, publish blogs, and discuss important topics like regulations and responsible gambling. Plus, we do detailed reviews of betting and casino platforms to help people make informed choices.
The response so far has been amazing, much more than I expected. People are reaching out all the time asking us to review betting sites to give them peace of mind that these platforms are legitimate. And that’s exactly what we’re here for: to build trust.
Our main goal with Gaming Port is to act as a central platform that connects three key groups: the players (or punters), the operators (betting and casino companies), and the investors looking to get involved in Uganda’s gaming industry. We want to empower players by giving them in-depth reviews, expert tips, and the latest information on regulations so they can make safe and informed decisions. For operators, we provide market insights and proven marketing strategies to help them grow competitively. And for investors, we offer data-driven reports and forecasts to guide their decisions.
Ultimately, we’re all about fostering transparency, trust, and responsible gaming. We believe in maintaining high journalistic standards, breaking down complex regulations, and promoting sustainable practises throughout the industry. It’s a lot to juggle but seeing how much people trust us already has me even more excited for the future of Gaming Port Uganda.
iGaming AFRIKA: What was the motivation behind you launching Gaming Port Uganda?
Nasif Balinda: I launched Gaming Port because I saw a real gap in Uganda’s gaming landscape: players were navigating a maze of unverified platforms and outdated information, operators lacked local market intelligence, and investors struggled to find reliable data. As someone who’s spent years consulting for sportsbooks and casinos, I knew firsthand how much smarter, safer, and more sustainable our industry could be if everyone had access to impartial insights and practical guidance.
Gaming Port was born out of my conviction that by centralising trusted reviews, regulatory analysis, marketing playbooks, and financial reports in one free-to-access hub could elevate the entire ecosystem. It would empower players to make confident choices, equip operators to compete with clarity, and enable investors to back growth with conviction, all while championing transparency and responsible gaming.
iGaming AFRIKA: How does Gaming Port Uganda contribute to promoting responsible gaming promotion within the Ugandan gaming industry?
Nasif Balinda: Personally, I am a strong advocate of responsible gaming, and Gaming Port is really championing this cause in the industry. One main approach is creating in-depth guides and resources to help people gamble safely. We also spotlight important campaigns like Uganda’s Gaming Board’s Nationwide Responsible Gambling Campaign, covering training programmes and regulatory updates to ensure safe-play initiatives stay top of mind.
We go further by issuing timely alerts about unlicensed or fraudulent operators through our news feed, helping to keep players informed and protected. We embed clear reminders about responsible gaming across all reviews and blogs, so it’s always top of mind for our readers.
Collaboration is another pillar. We’re working with organisations like the GamCare Initiative Uganda on awareness campaigns, creating self-assessment tools, and offering support services for those affected by problem gambling. The aim is to foster transparency and trust in the industry while promoting sustainable, socially conscious practices.
Ultimately, we want to create a positive impact: empowering players to make better choices, support operators in running responsible businesses, and help the entire industry grow in a healthy, ethical way.
iGaming AFRIKA: We have noted the countless efforts by the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board of Uganda to promote responsible gaming among universities in the country. In your opinion, what strategies do you believe the board should adopt in curbing this trend?
Nasif Balinda: I believe educating students about the dangers of gambling is key, and the board can play a significant role in making that happen. One approach is partnering with university administration and student leaders to organise workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns. These kinds of events can help students understand the risks of gambling in a way that feels real and relatable.
But it shouldn’t stop there. The board should also ensure students have quick and easy access to counselling and support services for those who might be struggling with gambling addiction. It’s about creating a safety net that’s both accessible and stigma-free.
Another important step is conducting research to better understand how widespread gambling is among students and what specific challenges they’re facing. This way, we can tailor our solutions to address the real issues on the ground.
Using social media campaigns is also a smart move, since that’s where students spend a lot of their time. We can create content that resonates with them and spreads awareness about responsible gambling.
The best approach is to involve the students themselves. When students lead the charge, whether through peer-to-peer education or by becoming ambassadors for responsible gambling, it creates a ripple effect that’s far more powerful. It’s all about empowering them to create a supportive environment where they can look out for one another.
iGaming AFRIKA: How important is collaboration amongst the Ugandan gaming industry stakeholders such as operators, regulators and punters alike in enhancing responsible gaming practises?
Nasif Balinda: There is a Luganda saying that “Agali awamu gegaluma enyama” meaning the
teeth are only able to tear the meat because of their combined effort, every stakeholder brings a unique contribution to the table. Operators provide operational insights and can implement measures like betting limits and self-exclusion programmes, while regulators supply the legal framework to ensure compliance and fairness.
Punters, as the end-users, offer crucial feedback and benefit from educational campaigns that promote safe gambling. Through open communication and mutual respect, these stakeholders can overcome challenges such as resistance to regulations and lack of awareness. By working together, they can create a balanced and sustainable approach that protects punters, ensures regulatory effectiveness, and supports the growth of the gaming industry in Uganda.
iGaming AFRIKA: What are some unique challenges operators face within the iGaming industry, and how can they be addressed?
Nasif Balinda: The iGaming space is exciting, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Churn is a big one, players sign up but then leave and never come back. It’s frustrating because you spend so much time and resources attracting them, only to lose them. Another struggle is converting players into depositors. Even if you’ve got the traffic, turning that into actual revenue can be tough. High taxes also squeeze margins and affect profitability.
To address these issues, I think collaboration with regulators is key. By working together, operators can find solutions that balance business needs with regulatory requirements. It’s not just about complying with rules; it’s about creating a sustainable environment where both the industry and the government can thrive. For example, if operators can find ways to reduce churn by improving retention strategies or creating more engaging experiences, they can keep players around longer and build loyalty. And when it comes to taxes, finding a middle ground where the industry can still operate profitably while contributing to the economy is important.
Read Also: Shanta Segabon Unpacks Driving Retention, Revenue and Loyalty in iGaming using CRM
Ultimately, it’s about finding creative ways to tackle these challenges head-on while keeping the player experience at the heart of everything.
iGaming AFRIKA: You recently commented on the need for gaming industry operators to attend gaming conferences. Why do you think this is important?
Nasif Balinda: In my opinion, attending gaming conferences is important for operators, even though it can be costly for event tickets, travel, and accommodation. The benefits outweigh the expenses: strong networking is a huge plus; it’s a great way to connect with industry leaders and like-minded professionals. You get access to the latest technologies and trends, which helps you stay ahead in the game. Discovering new markets is another big advantage, as it opens up opportunities for growth and expansion.
One thing that really stands out for me is how these conferences can help cut the middlemen. For instance, when operators want to switch their software or gaming platforms, they often rely on brokers who add their own markups, increasing costs. By attending conferences, operators can forge direct relationships with providers, potentially saving money and streamlining their operations. It’s all about building those connections and staying informed to make smart, strategic decisions for the future.
In short, while the initial costs might seem daunting, the long-term benefits of networking, accessing new tech, and finding ways to reduce costs make attending these conferences a worthwhile investment.
Read the full interview in our digital magazine:
