Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has announced that it is resuming the licensing of new gambling operators, lifting a suspension that had been in place since June 2024. In a statement issued on Saturday, August 1, RDB said it is currently undertaking a “thorough review and redesign” of the gambling industry’s legal and regulatory framework. ALSO READ: RDB to take over regulatory powers of local gaming sector The 2024 suspension affected both applicants for new licenses and those seeking to renew expired ones. It was imposed to allow time for the development and approval of a new national gambling policy, as well as finding a solution for the serious challenges that were being reported in the industry. An internal report by RDB in 2023 had raised concerns within the sector, including weak regulatory enforcement, underreporting of earnings, rising cases of gambling addiction, and the absence of digital monitoring systems. As RDB announced the resumption of licensing, it noted that as new rules are being developed, current regulations still apply including Law Regulating Gambling, the 2023 Ministerial Order concerning sanctions. The regulatory body also invited new investors, especially those interested in land-based casinos, online casinos, and sports betting to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) by September 30. ALSO READ: Why tax on gambling was hiked by 27% Currently, Rwanda has more than 30 registered gambling operators, including local and international businesses running sports betting shops, online platforms, and lottery services. As the licensing resumes, operators will find a new tax framework approved by Parliament in May 2025, under which operators will be taxed at 40 percent, up from 13 percent. In 2021, the global gaming market was valued at $198.40 billion, and it was expected to reach a value of $339.95 billion by 2027, registering an annual compound growth rate of 8.94 percent over 2022-2027.
