The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) will now oversee and regulate gaming activities in Rwanda, including the licensing of industry operators.
Under the new arrangement, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, formerly responsible for these duties, will now focus on policy development for the sector.
A high-ranking official from the Ministry of Trade and Industry has confirmed:
“The transition process is nearing completion and is scheduled to finish by August this year,” the source revealed.
“We are currently in the transition phase where RDB will take on the responsibility of licensing operators. This move to the RDB one-stop center is anticipated to streamline operations,” the source explained.
From August onwards, investors will be able to apply for licenses through RDB, subject to meeting the necessary criteria.
The source emphasized that RDB’s role includes ensuring the transparent and accountable management of all gaming activities.
Why this is significant
Safari Gahizi, Chairperson of Rwanda’s Gaming Association, commented on the significance of the government’s decision:
“The government’s move reflects its acknowledgment of the gaming sector’s vital role in Rwanda’s economy and cultural landscape,” Gahizi noted.
With the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) taking the lead, Gahizi emphasized the need for the agency to foster cooperation among industry players, address sector-specific challenges, enhance the market presence of local game developers, reduce reliance on foreign revenue streams, and promote innovation within Rwanda’s gaming ecosystem.
He also stressed the importance of expanding promotional efforts and improving access to the domestic gaming market, alongside building robust technological infrastructure to support the growth of game development.
Rwanda’s gaming industry comprises several categories, including lotteries, gaming machines, casinos, sports betting, and online gaming. Regulatory measures are in place to manage sector growth while mitigating potential risks and ensuring responsible gaming practices.
Navigating the complexities of regulating gaming in today’s fast-paced, interconnected technological environment presents considerable challenges, given the dynamic nature of gaming and the continual introduction of new games across various electronic platforms.
Immacule Ingabire, a casino operator based in Kigali, emphasized the critical need to update legislation, close potential loopholes, and effectively combat the rise in illegal gaming activities nationwide.
Beyond regulatory functions, Ingabire suggested that the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) should actively monitor the gaming industry and promote fair competition by licensing operators both domestically and internationally.
She argued that revising and streamlining the regulatory framework in the gaming sector is essential to fostering a level playing field.
Globally, the gaming industry has proven to be a vibrant and lucrative sector for private investors and governments alike. In recent years, it has experienced significant growth, with projections indicating continued expansion in the coming years.
There’s a new gaming policy in development
A new gaming policy designed to regulate the industry and enhance its economic impact is nearing completion, according to reliable sources.
Rwanda’s gaming sector, which previously lacked a comprehensive regulatory framework, is set to be governed by the proposed national gaming policy. This policy aims to establish standards for the character and suitability of participants in the industry.
Key provisions of the policy include requirements for operators to categorize their gaming activities independently before advertising and promoting them locally. Non-compliance with these categorization rules could result in administrative sanctions such as warnings, temporary license suspensions, or license revocations.
The introduction of this policy marks a significant step towards formalizing and overseeing Rwanda’s growing gaming sector.
