The online gambling market in Uganda is showing impressive growth dynamics, increasing from 500 billion to 8 trillion Ugandan shillings in just three years. Against the backdrop of this boom, Teen Patti, an Asian card game that has traditionally been popular in India and neighbouring countries, is gaining particular popularity and is now finding a new audience in East Africa. The 1Win platform has become one of the key players offering this game to Ugandan users for real money.
What is Teen Patti and Why Does It Appeal to Ugandans?
Teen Patti, also known as “Indian poker” or “flash”, is a three-card game with simple rules and dynamic gameplay. Three to six players receive three cards each, after which a round of betting begins. The goal is to collect the best combination or bluff your opponents out of the game. The game combines elements of strategy, psychology and luck.
Although Teen Patti is not traditionally considered an African game, its popularity in Uganda can be explained by several factors. First, the simplicity of the rules makes the game accessible to beginners, which is important in a developing market. Secondly, the fast pace of the game and the possibility of big wins attract the country’s young audience — the average age of the Ugandan population is around 16. Thirdly, the digitisation of the game has made it possible to bypass geographical restrictions and create international tables where Ugandan players compete with opponents from all over the world.
How 1Win Adapted Teen Patti for the Ugandan Market
The 1 Win website offers several versions of Teen Patti adapted to local specifics. Among them is the classic version, Bet on Teen Patti, where users bet on one of two players (A or B), each of whom receives three cards. The system automatically determines the winner based on the strength of the combinations, paying out winnings at a ratio of 0.95:1. In the event of equal combinations, bets are returned.
The platform also offers a version with live dealers, where professional croupiers run the game in real time from specialised studios. This option is especially popular among players who want to experience the atmosphere of a real casino. Tables with different betting limits are available, from minimum limits for beginners to high limits for experienced users. The 1Win casino collection features over 13,000 games from 75 providers, including several variations of Teen Patti.
Financial Infrastructure: Mobile Money as the Basis for Payments
A key advantage of 1Win for Ugandan users is the integration of local mobile payment systems. In a country where traditional banking is underdeveloped, mobile money has become a revolution. According to the World Bank, about 45% of Uganda’s adult population has mobile money accounts.
The platform supports the country’s main mobile payment systems:
- MTN Mobile Money;
- Airtel Money;
- Africell Money.
Accounts can be topped up instantly via USSD codes or mobile apps. Withdrawals via MTN Mobile Money or Airtel Money are processed within a few minutes — users report speeds of 10-60 minutes for standard transactions.
In addition to mobile money, the site accepts Visa and Mastercard bank cards, e-wallets (AstroPay, Perfect Money, Skrill, Neteller) and cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether). All transactions are conducted in Ugandan shillings without conversion, which eliminates additional fees.
Legal Status: Grey Area and International Licensing
Gambling in Uganda is regulated by the Lotteries and Gaming Act 2016. The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB), established in the same year, is responsible for issuing licences and supervising operators. The legal age for gambling is 18.
However, the situation with online casinos remains in a grey area. Ugandan legislation mainly regulates sports betting, while other forms of online gambling are not clearly defined. Many international operators, including 1Win, operate under a Curacao licence (number 8048/JAZ2018-040) without obtaining a local licence.
On 1 July 2025, the Tax Procedures Act came into force in Uganda, radically changing financial control in the gambling industry. Now all operators are required to conduct transactions through a centralised payment gateway controlled by the state. This allows the authorities to track all cash flows in real time and ensure tax collection.
In October 2025, the NLGRB launched the process of renewing licences for 2026 with stricter requirements. Operators must register with the Financial Intelligence Authority as “reporting entities” for anti-money laundering purposes, obtain certification from the National Information Technology Authority, and connect all gaming terminals to the National Central Electronic Monitoring System.
1Win does not have a Ugandan licence, which theoretically calls its operations into question. However, the platform continues to serve local users, relying on its international licence and the absence of direct bans on players.
Conclusions
Teen Patti on 1Win is a striking example of how an international platform adapts to the local conditions of the African market. The integration of MTN and Airtel mobile money, support for Ugandan shillings, and optimisation for slow internet make the service accessible to local users.
However, players should be aware of the risks. The platform operates without a Ugandan licence, which means there is no direct protection from the national regulator. In the event of a dispute, users will have to contact the Curacao licensor. In addition, gambling addiction remains a serious problem in a country with low incomes and high unemployment.
The online gambling market in Uganda continues to develop amid increased regulation and growing attention to social consequences. In these conditions, a sensible approach to gambling, understanding the risks and using self-control tools become more important than any bonuses.