The popular concept that owning a casino is a licence to print money is once again discredited by the casino industry in Uganda. In that country casinos come and casinos go, usually within one year of opening. Grand Casino opened in May 2005 and remains open due to its ability to attract foreign visitors. Kampala Casino was the first casino to open in Uganda and has been operating for thirteen years.

By most standards the casinos in Uganda are small businesses – Kampala Casino has around 12 gaming tables and 20 slot machines. There are not many casino gamblers in Uganda and the middle class with disposable income is small. The advent of a new casino means that gambling revenue may take a dive, although the Grand and Kampala casinos have seen previous competition disappear.

Casino Simba has brought an investment of US$4 million and will be the largest casino in Uganda. It will have the latest technology slot machines, 20 gaming tables and a stage for live performances. The management says it will offer the best service and the newest equipment on the market. It remains to be seen if it will buck the trend and stay open longer than one year, but the two existing casinos may have to increase their promotional budgets over the short term at least. (E-06.19.07)

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