Rwanda Gaming Corporation (RGC) has entered into a partnership with Pan-A Investment Ltd, a Hong Kong-based gaming company to promote the gaming industry in the country.

RGC yesterday launched a Lotto draw that will see lucky winners walk away with cash prizes up to Rwf 10 million.

Briefing the media, the chief executive of RGC, Philippe Brizoua, said the partnership comes at a time when the industry needs a shot in the arm.

"The government has already shown commitment in promoting the industry, so we are now eagerly waiting for the enactment of the regulatory and tax law for legal protection of operators and customers,” Brizoua said, adding that the replacement of Value Added Tax with the Gaming Profit Tax was a step forward.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pan-A Investment Ltd`s, Phillip T.T.Wong, said that akin to any other industry, gaming takes time but plays a significant role in national development.

"We intend to create about 800 jobs as well as contribute to economic development through paying taxes amounting to Rwf 600 million in a given or specified period of time,” Wong revealed.

The ongoing draw requires the public to buy a lottery ticket at Rwf 500. Cash prizes below Rwf 200,000 will instantly be doled out at the RGC headquarters in Kigali while those above the said amount would be paid by cheque.

Members of the public who spoke to The New Times expressed cautious optimism about the gaming industry.

"Gaming (industry) is about luck. While others lose, the lucky winner may walk home with Rwf 10 million after having used just Rwf 500,” commented Rose Tuyisabe, a hairdresser at Look Smart Salon in Remera, Kigali.

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