Rwanda could introduce stronger measures to regulate the betting industry after concerns were raised in Parliament over gambling’s impact on household finances, savings and the wider economy.
The issue was raised in Parliament on October 2 by Senator Charles Murigande during Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva’s address to both chambers on government initiatives aimed at strengthening Rwanda’s financial sector.
Murigande called for a stronger government response to betting, arguing that excessive gambling could negatively affect household income and savings. He urged authorities to address betting-related concerns with the same determination used to tackle illicit alcohol, known locally as “ibyuma.”
Responding to the concerns, Prime Minister Nsengiyumva acknowledged that the government had already taken action against problematic gambling operations, including the closure of some betting premises. However, he indicated that existing measures may not be enough.
“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 discussion covered several forms of gambling available in Rwanda, including Aviator-style casino games, horse racing and lottery products. This suggests that any additional regulatory measures could extend beyond traditional sports betting.
The parliamentary debate comes as Rwanda continues to reshape its gambling regulatory framework. In 2024, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) assumed responsibility for overseeing the country’s gambling industry and introduced a national policy focused on licensing, regulatory supervision and responsible gambling.
The reforms have also targeted gaming machines. In 2025, authorities began removing more than 7,000 unlicensed slot machines for dismantling and recycling as part of efforts to strengthen control over the gambling environment.
Taxation has become another key part of Rwanda’s gambling reforms. From August 2025, the tax imposed on operators’ gross gambling revenue increased from 13% to 40%, while the tax on gambling winnings rose from 15% to 25%.
At the same time, Rwanda has continued to license operators within its regulated market. In July 2026, RDB granted online sports betting licenses to Betway, ElephantBet and ForteBet.
With Parliament now calling for stronger action and the Prime Minister acknowledging the need to intensify existing efforts, Rwanda’s betting industry could face another phase of regulatory tightening.
For operators, betting platforms and other gambling stakeholders, the developments highlight the growing importance of regulatory compliance, responsible gambling and stronger player-protection measures within Rwanda’s evolving iGaming market.
