Rwanda’s gaming industry is bracing for a new tax regime that raises gross gaming revenue (GGR) tax from 13% to 40%, while eliminating corporate income tax (CIT). The reform, set to take effect on September 1, is part of the new changes that the government is taking in the gaming industry which is now regulated by Rwanda Development Board (RDB). ALSO READ: 10 key takeaways from new gambling policy The gaming industry has expanded rapidly in recent years, powered by technology and the widespread use of mobile money. Ntoundi Mouyelo, a gaming expert and founder of the Lefa Foundation, noted that by consolidating multiple levies into a single GGR tax, Rwanda is aligning with international practice while enhancing transparency and predictability for licensed operators. ALSO READ: Government moves to enforce laws on gaming operations “For licensed operators, a market with robust regulatory frameworks offers significant advantages: Clear licensing conditions, predictable compliance requirements, improved market integrity, and enhanced consumer trust,” he said. He also highlighted Rwanda’s strengths in mobile money adoption, strong digital infrastructure, and the upcoming rollout of digital IDs to streamline verification and oversight. These, he says, can help the sector innovate despite higher costs. “The tax and regulatory changes are poised to drive both adaptation and the discovery of new opportunities within Rwanda’s gaming industry, rather than causing contraction,” he adds. A tax expert's take Joel Namanya, a tax specialist at KPMG, the higher tax rates could initially lead to increased government revenue if companies continue operations without significant reductions in their gross revenue. However, he cautions that if taxes make the market less attractive or push companies to scale down, revenue could stabilise at a lower level as activity declines or shifts to untaxed and unregulated segments. Namanya also warns of a higher risk of tax evasion tendencies, noting that Rwanda Development Board’s earlier policy assessments flagged this as a recurring concern. “Higher taxes often create incentives for tax evasion or avoidance, especially if the industry perceives the tax burden as excessive or punitive,” he said. “Companies might divert some operations to black markets or offshore entities where tax enforcement is weaker, undermining regulatory efforts.” ALSO READ: Should we revisit our gaming industry and modernise it? To safeguard compliance, he recommends stronger enforcement measures, such as real-time reporting, electronic billing machines, and greater data-sharing between regulators and financial institutions. Operator's opinion Thierry Nshuti, Commercial Director at Forzza Bet, warns the new tax could push players toward offshore platforms. “Even today, Rwandans can easily access websites that are not registered anywhere,” he notes. “With this policy, more customers may go there.” He stressed that this creates a foreign exchange risk, as funds spent offshore drain Rwanda’s economy. ALSO READ: PODCAST: Betting addiction and its dangers to society Nshuti also believes consultation with the government was limited. “By the time we were waiting to see the feedback of our discussion, we saw the policy out,” he told The New Times. The road ahead Both experts and operators agree that deeper engagement between policymakers and industry players is essential. For Nshuti, regulators should involve operators in decision-making. While they fully understand the importance of taxes, he says balancing perspectives is crucial to sustaining the economy. ALSO READ: The inside story of Premier Bet Rwanda woes
