Uganda’s Online Betting Revolution
In the last few years, Uganda has seen a huge increase in the number of people who enjoy online sports betting, and it is now estimated that bettors spend over 150 billion shillings annually on gambling.
However, up until recently, most sports enthusiasts would have to line up at land-based betting shops to place their bets. But now, advancing technology and the rapid increase in Internet availability has meant that more bettors can forgo the wait, and bet online at leading sites using a desktop computer or mobile phone.
At African Betting Guide, we can recommend Betway Uganda for anyone in the country, as this sportsbook meets all the requirements of a trusted site, offers a great selection of markets and a whole lot more. In time, we may well see other leading brands come to the fore, but Betway Uganda is currently the best.
The Influence of Technology
While the arrival of the Internet and mobile technology is certainly a boost for the economy, there are reservations as to what this would mean for a growing population of online betting Uganda sports enthusiasts. Some would argue that increased bookmaker availability would naturally lead to a larger user base and escalate the trend of problem gambling.
But is this a foregone conclusion, or are there any benefits to welcoming online betting into the country?
If we look at European countries where online betting has been around since the late 1990’s we have a good idea of how technology might just be a blessing, rather than a way to escalate problem gambling. In Europe, online gambling has been incorporated in such a way as to boost the economy, all while providing an important function for sports bettors. What we have seen is that with the right amount of regulation, restrictions and guidance, online gambling can be more useful and less invasive than previous methods.
Why Online Betting is Helpful
There is no doubt that the availability of online betting in Uganda has led to a jump in betting numbers. After all, betting online is faster, easier, and more convenient than visiting land-based betting shops. In addition to the ease and convenience factor, there are also a number of benefits for both the bettor and the greater community. For starters, having regulated and legalised Internet betting curbs the need and the desire for black market betting.
Only bettors of legal age can apply for an online betting account at Betway Uganda and other regulated sites. Age control is a big factor in Uganda and one area where online sites can really make a difference. Online bookmakers are also fully regulated and held to the highest international standards. Bets taken are done so in according to strict regulations, and winnings are paid out promptly, which is something that doesn’t always happen in the land-based sector.
The Role of the Bookmaker
What we have seen overseas is that when bettors are given the right amount of information, access and support, this naturally leads to a decline in problem gambling. This is achieved by providing people with the right kind of information.
In Uganda, all top-rated local and overseas sites provide bettors with accurate and realistic information on how online betting works, the chances of winning and using resources to create a stronger winning position.
Regulation, Safety and Responsible Gambling
Safety is another important aspect of online betting. Regulated, legal sites like Betway Uganda use state of the art SSL encryption technology to ensure that each and every customer has full security when making a transaction or betting online.
There is also the issue of responsible gambling, which does not feature in land-based operations. The leading betting sites we recommend here at African Betting Guide are all dedicated to responsible gambling and put measures in place to ensure that customers are able to manage their betting wisely. Self-exclusion systems, self-imposed limits and contacts and information for responsible gambling organizations are all readily available and well publicised.
Judging by the current state of affairs, the ongoing advancements in technology and the enthusiasm of bettors in Uganda, we can expect to see even more growth in the years to come, and a thriving betting culture grows from strength to strength.
