RWANDA– Rwanda could introduce stronger measures to regulate the betting industry following concerns raised in Parliament over gambling’s impact on household finances, savings and the wider economy.
The issue was raised on October 2 by Senator Charles Murigande during Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva’s address to both chambers of Parliament on government initiatives to strengthen Rwanda’s financial sector.
Murigande called for a stronger government response to betting, arguing that excessive gambling could affect household income and savings. He urged authorities to address gambling-related concerns with the same determination applied to tackling illicit alcohol, locally known as “ibyuma.”
Responding to the concerns, Prime Minister Nsengiyumva said the government had already taken action against problematic gambling operations, including the closure of some betting premises. However, he acknowledged that further measures may be necessary.
“We know about betting; there are gambling premises we have closed. However, I think we need to put in more effort,” Nsengiyumva said.
The parliamentary debate covered several forms of gambling in Rwanda, including Aviator-style casino games, horse racing and lottery products, suggesting that any future regulatory measures could extend beyond traditional sports betting.
The latest discussion comes as Rwanda continues to reform its gambling regulatory framework.
In 2024, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) assumed responsibility for overseeing the gambling sector and introduced a national policy focused on licensing, regulatory supervision and responsible gambling.
Authorities have also taken steps to address unlicensed gaming machines. In 2025, the government began removing more than 7,000 unlicensed slot machines for dismantling and recycling as part of efforts to strengthen oversight of the sector.
Taxation has also formed part of the regulatory reforms. From August 2025, the tax on operators’ gross gambling revenue increased from 13% to 40%, while the tax on gambling winnings rose from 15% to 25%.
Despite the tighter regulatory environment, Rwanda continues to license operators within the regulated market. In July 2026, the RDB granted online sports betting licences to Betway, ElephantBet and ForteBet.
With Parliament calling for stronger action and the Prime Minister acknowledging the need for further efforts, Rwanda’s betting sector could face another phase of regulatory tightening.
The developments highlight the growing importance of regulatory compliance, responsible gambling and player protection as Rwanda continues to reshape its gambling and iGaming market.
