Rwanda lifts gambling licence suspension, triggering new wave of betting opportunities
Casino and betting licences reopen after 13-month freeze, signalling a major policy and investment shift.
Rwanda.- Rwanda is reopening its doors to the gambling industry, officially ending a prior suspension and reigniting the market by resuming the issuance of licences. The long-awaited lift on the gambling licence freeze is set to unleash fresh opportunities for land-based casinos and online operators, including digital casinos and sports betting platforms.
The ban on issuing new gambling licences, which started in June 2024, has been lifted after more than a year of suspension, opening the door for fresh applications and renewed momentum in the sector.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB), which oversees the gambling sector, made the announcement in a public directive on August 1. The RDB said this reflects the government’s commitment to balancing innovation and investment with social responsibility
“RDB hereby announces the resumption of licensing for land-based casinos. This decision is in line with the provisions of the 2024 Gambling Policy and seeks to attract credible and strategic investment into the sector,” the RDB public directive stated.
The RDB said this move supports the rollout of the new national gambling policy adopted earlier in 2024. The development signals a clear shift for investors and industry players who have been waiting for clarity.
The directive outlined that the Rwanda Development Board is now accepting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for sports betting (land-based), sports betting (online), casino (online) and land-based casinos, which are seen as key growth areas in the country’s evolving gambling landscape.
“RDB looks forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure compliance with these directives and to build a responsible gambling sector that contributes positively to Rwanda’s development,” the directive stated.
Boosting regulated, tech-driven gambling
The RDB is driving a comprehensive legal overhaul to align regulations with global standards, positioning Rwanda as a tech-driven gambling hub committed to responsible play and community protection.
“The aim is to establish a modern and responsible gambling ecosystem, aligned with international best practices and Rwanda’s strategic vision,” said the directive.
The regulatory comeback unfolds under the backdrop of the 2024 Gambling Policy, which underpins a bold new vision for the sector. Until the new legal instruments are enacted, operators will continue to be governed under existing laws, specifically Law n°58/2011 and ministerial orders from 2013 and 2023.
The RDB also confirmed the resumption of annual licence fee collection from all currently licensed operators. Operators will be contacted directly with payment details, and timely compliance is expected to avoid disruptions.
Expressions of Interest (EOIs) must be submitted by September 30, 2025, via email to [email protected]. Submissions should briefly outline the applicant’s profile, investment plans and preferred category, whether sports betting (land-based), sports betting (online), casino (online) or land-based casinos.
