NLGRB Urges Media to Uphold Ethical Standards in Gaming Reporting
The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) has urged media practitioners to uphold ethical standards and prioritize public interest while engaging with gaming operators.
During a recent engagement with journalists from across the Busoga region of Uganda, the Board took the opportunity to emphasize its mandate to protect the public from potential risks associated with gaming and to ensure that gaming activities are conducted in accordance with the law.
Media practitioners used the meeting to raise concerns about the growing popularity of bingo games, seeking clarity from the Board on how to navigate the resulting ethical and regulatory landscape.
The participants also raised several specific concerns regarding the practical application of gaming regulations in their day-to-day operations. They sought clarification on key areas such as program sponsorships, to understand the rules when gaming companies fund specific segments, guest appearances, to learn how to manage representatives from gaming operators appearing on air, and presenter mentions, to define the boundaries for on-air talent when discussing or promoting gaming products.
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The urgency of these requests stems from a significant economic reality in the region, as many media stations now rely heavily on sponsorship from gaming operators to maintain their financial stability and keep their stations running. While this surge of capital provides a necessary lifeline for local media houses, it also introduces potential conflicts of interest.
The NLGRB addressed these concerns by reminding journalists of their primary responsibility to their audience. The Board emphasized that although these sponsorships offer undeniable benefits to media organizations, they must never be allowed to compromise public interest or the high ethical standards of the journalism profession.
According to the Board, engagement with media stakeholders is part of broader efforts to strengthen compliance, increase public awareness, and reduce illegal gaming activities across the country.
