The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board recently conducted an engagement in Gulu Town, targeting media representatives from the Northern and West Nile regions to strengthen partnerships with journalists, promote responsible gaming practices, and protect local communities from the potential adverse effects of gambling.

The media plays a crucial role in the iGaming industry by providing information, education, and engagement. It shapes the public perception, influences trends, and informs regulatory changes through news, analysis, and marketing.

By collaborating with media houses, the NLGB aims to ensure that accurate information is disseminated to the public, which is essential for supporting prevention efforts and raising awareness about the Board’s mandate. Through these partnerships, the media helps create safeguards for communities, ensuring that the public is well-informed about the risks and regulations surrounding the industry. 

A critical component of this regulatory mandate is the strict protection of minors. During the engagement, the Board reminded journalists that legal provisions regarding age restrictions are non-negotiable. Specifically, minors are strictly prohibited from accessing any form of gaming, whether conducted via online platforms or at land-based facilities.

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The Board emphasized that the media’s support in broadcasting these legal requirements is essential for all stakeholders involved. By consistently highlighting these prohibitions, the media plays a key role in preventing underage gambling and ensuring that the law is upheld across all regions. 

“Our main mandate as the Board is to protect the public from gaming-related harm. The media is one of the key partners who help us fulfill this mandate through factual reporting and awareness creation,” said a Senior Communications Officer.

The collaboration between the Board and the media is designed to protect the public and foster a responsible industry. By working together to share information and enforce regulatory standards, both parties aim to prevent gambling-related harm and ensure that the gaming sector operates within a framework that prioritizes community welfare. 

The engagement took place at Booma Hotel in Gulu and was attended by reporters, writers, media analysts, producers, and station managers from various print, online, and broadcast media outlets.