Rwanda Development Board awards licences to three new betting operators in market expansion
The Rwanda Development Board says the approvals mark a major step in developing a regulated and responsible gambling industry, with the new operators expected to strengthen consumer protection and support economic growth.
Rwanda.- The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has awarded gambling licences to Betway, ElephantBet and ForteBet through its National Lottery and Gambling Commission (NLGC). This has been described as a major step in the country’s efforts to establish a regulated and responsible gambling industry.
In a statement announcing the approvals, RDB said the licences were issued following a “thorough, competitive licensing and evaluation process.”
Under the approvals, Betway was licensed to offer online sports betting and online casino services, ElephantBet received approval to operate online sports betting, while ForteBet was licensed to provide both online sports betting and online casino services.
RDB said the licensing exercise “marks a major milestone in establishing a regulated and responsible gambling industry in Rwanda.”
Betway, ElephantBet and ForteBet already operate in several African markets. Their entry into Rwanda further expands the country’s regulated online gambling market as authorities continue strengthening oversight of the sector.
The licensing process was intended to attract operators capable of meeting strict regulatory, technical and responsible gambling standards while supporting Rwanda’s broader economic development, according to Taarifa Rwanda.
The licensed operators are expected to strengthen consumer protection through a regulated gambling framework that includes measures to prevent underage gambling, promote responsible gaming and safeguard the integrity of betting activities, the publication said. It added that the regulated market is expected to generate revenue through licensing fees and taxes, create employment opportunities and attract further investment into Rwanda’s growing digital economy.
