Uganda has the highest legal gambling age in Africa

Uganda has the highest legal gambling age in Africa. This raises important questions about how gambling laws affect young people across the continent.

Finland, too, is taking steps to enhance the safety of its gambling laws, focusing on protecting youth and preventing gambling-related harm.

With calls to increase age limits for high-risk games, including proposals for a 25-year minimum, the conversation about responsible gambling is more relevant than ever.

So what can the effects of higher age limits be? 

Finland’s gambling laws are being developed with a focus on safety

Finland’s gambling laws are being developed to be even safer and more responsible, enabling effective prevention of gambling-related harms.

Editors of Turvallisetkasinot.com stated that safe and responsible casinos are already committed to preventing problem gambling and protecting especially young players.

The legislative development focuses even more on player protection, imposing strict licensing requirements, and regulating marketing.

The goal is to create an environment where gambling is enjoyable and safe while reducing the risks associated with gambling. This ensures that players can enjoy their gaming experience without worrying about potential negative effects.

Many operators in the gambling industry want to raise the age limit

Many operators in the gambling industry have begun calling for an increase in the age limit, particularly for high-risk games. Proposals have been made to raise the age limit to at least 20 years, which could enhance the protection of young people from the harms of gambling

Gambling harm activist Leena Pihanurmi, known for her “Pelikoneet pois kaupoista” (“Remove Gambling Machines from Stores”) initiative, has even suggested a 25-year age limit.

In her view, protecting young people from problem gambling is of utmost importance, and a stricter age limit could prevent many youths from encountering issues at an early stage.

This discussion is part of a broader conversation about responsible gambling and society’s role in protecting young people.

The minimum age limit is 25 years in Uganda

The decision was made during a session taking place in the year 2018, in which lawmakers reviewed the Lotteries and Gaming (Amendment) Bill, recently introduced by State Minister for Planning, David Bahati. The government had suggested lowering the betting age to 18.

However, Members of Parliament chose to uphold a recommendation from the Finance Committee to keep the age limit at 25. Committee Chairman Henry Musasizi stated that this decision would help ensure that school-aged youths remain uninvolved in betting activities.

The age limits for gambling in other African countries

Uganda’s age limit for gambling is exceptionally high, even by the standards of other African countries. Most countries adhere to the typical age limit of 18 years.

In these African countries, the age limit is 18 years:

• Angola
• Botswana
• Burkina Faso
• Djibouti
• Ghana
• Guinea
• Malawi
• Mali
• Morocco
• Mozambique
• Senegal
• Seychelles
• South Africa
• Tanzania

A 21-year age limit is in place in countries such as Egypt, Namibia, and in some cases, Nigeria.

In some locations, gambling is completely banned for individuals of all ages. Examples of this include Algeria, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Libya.

Tunisia, on the other hand, has not established any age limit at all. In Gabon and Guinea Bissau, there is also no official age limit in place.

Conclusion

The future of gambling in Finland appears to be moving towards a more responsible and protective framework, particularly for young players.

As operators and activists advocate for stricter age limits, Finland could set a precedent for prioritizing player safety. Uganda has already done this, and the country takes a strict stance on both gambling and issues like corruption.

Finland’s transition to its own licensing system is still in progress and the first online casinos operating under a Finnish license will emerge in the market in 2027. Details such as age limits are currently under discussion.

Source: africa.businessinsider.com

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