Rwanda gambling industry explores AI player protection and spending limits
Industry and expert proposals favour AI risk identification and affordability-based limits as Rwanda reviews its gambling regulations.
Rwanda.- Rwanda’s Gambling Industry Association head Claude Mushimire has suggested using artificial intelligence (AI) to identify at-risk players, while economist Prof. Egide Karuranga has proposed affordability checks and spending limits as the country reviews its gambling regulations.
Karuranga proposed a system to verify gamblers’ identities and assess how much they and their families could afford to spend, according to a report published by Pure Africa News. He said the system should comply with international standards and record relevant information to help establish appropriate spending limits.
The report also notes that experts favour stronger controls over a complete ban on gambling, while Karuranga advocates spending limits based on individuals’ financial capacity. Mushimire said AI could help identify people developing gambling problems and prevent excessive gambling.
The proposals follow a wider regulatory debate in Rwanda. Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva acknowledged that previous measures, including the closure of some betting premises, had not fully addressed concerns about gambling. During the same parliamentary session, Senator Charles Murigande raised concerns about betting’s impact on household finances and savings.
Alongside the proposed use of AI, psychiatrist Dr Uwanyirigira Claudine also highlighted responsible gambling, advising players to set aside money for essential household expenses, including food and school fees.
