MelBet kicked out of Uganda market; players urged to withdraw balances

Uganda’s gambling regulator has officially pushed MelBet out of the local market following the revocation of its operating licence. 

The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) announced that Fox Bet Limited, which trades under the MelBet brand, has ceased operations in the country with effect from 1 January 2026. 

As a result, the company is no longer authorised to offer any gaming services to Ugandan players.

In a public notice issued on Monday, 5 January, the NLGRB urged customers who previously used the MelBet platform to act without delay by withdrawing any remaining balances and closing their accounts. 

The regulator warned that continued engagement with unlicensed gaming operators exposes players to significant risks, including loss of funds and the absence of legal recourse in the event of disputes.

The Board reiterated that betting with operators that are not licensed in Uganda leaves consumers vulnerable. 

Without regulatory oversight, players have no protection should a platform suspend accounts, withhold winnings or collapse entirely. 

The exit of MelBet is seen as part of a wider enforcement drive aimed at sanitising the gambling sector and protecting both players and public interest.

The decision comes as Uganda ushers in a stricter licensing regime for the gambling industry in 2026. 

The updated framework, introduced during the licence renewal process that began in October, imposes heavier compliance obligations on operators. 

Casinos and betting firms are now required to register as accountable persons with the Financial Intelligence Authority and submit annual reports on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures.

Operators must also provide extensive documentation, including tax clearance certificates, audited financial statements, business plans, proof of corporate social responsibility, and good conduct records for directors and shareholders. 

Certification from the National Information Technology Authority–Uganda is mandatory, while all electronic gaming machines must be connected to the National Central Electronic Monitoring System for real-time oversight.

The rules further extend to staff and suppliers, signalling a new era of tighter regulation and accountability in Uganda’s gambling sector.