Rwanda Halts Gaming License Issuance

Temporary Suspension of Gaming Licenses

In a pivotal move for Rwanda’s gaming industry, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has announced a temporary halt on issuing new gaming licenses and renewing expired ones. This decision follows the enactment of Prime Minister’s Order No. 028/03 on June 28, 2024, which designated the RDB as the sole regulatory authority for all gaming activities within the country.

The RDB’s suspension is part of a comprehensive initiative aimed at reviewing and revising the existing policies governing gaming activities in Rwanda. The organization is focused on ensuring that the country’s gaming regulations meet the highest standards of fairness and responsibility.

“As the new regulatory authority, we are spearheading the overhaul of the policy framework for gaming activities in Rwanda,” stated Francis Gatare, Chief Executive Officer of RDB. “We recognize the importance of these regulations in maintaining fair and responsible gaming standards, and we are dedicated to finalizing this process as swiftly as possible.”

License Holders Must Wait for Updated Regulatory Guidelines

Potential applicants and current license holders have been informed that they will need to await the approval of the new policy framework before they can proceed with applications or renewals. The RDB has committed to keeping stakeholders informed of the policy review’s progress through official communications.

This regulatory shift coincides with the imminent inauguration of President Paul Kagame, who is set to begin his fourth term after a decisive victory in the recent election. The timing of this suspension indicates a strategic alignment with the administration’s broader goals of ensuring a responsible and accountable gaming environment in Rwanda.