The Chief Executive Officer of the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board, Denis Mudene has called on regulators across Africa to establish minimum standards for corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the gaming industry.
Mudene made the remarks during the iGaming AFRIKA Summit 2026 held in Nairobi, Kenya, where he spoke on the growing importance of responsible gaming and the role of regulators in shaping ethical industry practices.
He argued that stronger frameworks are needed to ensure betting companies contribute meaningfully to society.
“The role of the regulator in CSR should be to set minimum standards and select areas where operators should contribute,” Mudene said during a panel discussion.
He added, “The operator can then go over and above those minimum standards and contribute where they align with their marketing strategies.”
His comments come at a time when regulators across the continent are facing increasing pressure to rein in the social impact of the rapidly expanding gaming sector, particularly concerns around gambling addiction, youth participation and the surge in online betting platforms.
Mudene emphasized that regulators must provide a clear ethical direction for the industry while still allowing operators the flexibility to support initiatives that align with their business models and customer engagement strategies.
“We must strike a balance between regulation and innovation to ensure the industry grows sustainably while safeguarding communities,” he noted.
He further stressed the need for stronger collaboration between regulators and gaming companies, saying this would help build a more accountable and socially responsive sector across Africa.
Discussions at the summit also focused on the need to harmonise responsible gaming policies across jurisdictions, strengthen player protection mechanisms and enhance oversight of operators working across borders.
Mudene used the platform to call for closer cooperation among East African regulators in tackling illegal gaming, particularly unlicensed online betting platforms that exploit digital payment systems to operate across countries undetected.
Under his leadership, Uganda’s gaming regulator has stepped up enforcement efforts against illegal operators, working with institutions such as the Uganda Communications Commission, Bank of Uganda and telecommunications companies to track and disrupt suspicious betting transactions.
The summit brought together regulators, industry players, investors and technology firms from across Africa to explore policy direction, innovation and the future of gaming on the continent.
In recognition of his efforts, Mudene was awarded the Rising Star in Responsible Gaming accolade at the summit, with organisers citing his contribution to strengthening regulatory frameworks and promoting responsible gaming practices in Uganda.
According to the industry, this shows continental acknowledgment of Uganda’s progress in regulating the gaming sector and reinforces calls for unified standards to guide the industry’s expansion across Africa.
