Rwanda PM signals more betting action after senator compares it to illicit alcohol
Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva acknowledges that shop closures and higher taxes have not solved the problem as MPs press for tougher controls.
Key takeaways:
- Senator Charles Murigande raised concerns about betting’s impact on household finances and savings while Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva addressed both chambers of Parliament on October 2, 2026.
- Murigande urged the government to treat betting similarly to its action against “ibyuma” (illicit alcohol), arguing it is pushing people into financial distress and contributing to family breakdown.
- Nsengiyumva said authorities have already closed some betting premises but acknowledged that “we need to put in more effort”, signalling that further measures may be needed.
Rwanda.- Rwanda has signalled further action on betting oversight after Senator Charles Murigande called for stronger government measures, with Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva saying existing efforts need to be strengthened.
Murigande raised the issue on October 2 while Nsengiyumva was addressing both chambers of Parliament on government efforts to strengthen Rwanda’s financial sector, according to Umunota. The senator raised concerns about betting’s impact on household finances and savings, and its wider implications for the financial sector.
The senator urged the government to address betting in a similar way to its action against “ibyuma”, referring to illicit alcohol. Responding to the senator, Nsengiyumva said the government had already taken action, including closing some betting premises. “We know about betting; there are gambling premises we have closed. However, I think we need to put in more effort,” Nsengiyumva said, according to Kigali Today.
The government has signalled that more action may be needed. The discussion also referenced forms of gambling including “Akadege” (Aviator), casino gaming, horse racing and lottery products, according to Umuseke.
Betting rules continue to evolve
Rwanda’s gambling sector has also undergone several regulatory changes in recent years. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) took over gambling oversight in 2024 and introduced a national policy covering licensing, monitoring and responsible gambling.
The policy also calls for slot machines to be phased out. In 2025, authorities began collecting more than 7,000 unlicensed machines for dismantling and recycling.
Gambling taxes were also raised, with the new rates taking effect in August 2025. The tax on operators’ gross gambling revenue went from 13 per cent to 40 per cent, while the rate on gambling winnings increased from 15 per cent to 25 per cent.
Licensing has continued alongside those changes. In July 2026, RDB licensed Betway, ElephantBet, and ForteBet to offer online sports betting.
