Rwanda’s re-emerging gambling market heats up as new operators race to apply before deadline
With September 30 fast approaching, companies eager to enter Rwanda’s gambling market must submit their licence applications now.
Rwanda.- The countdown is almost over for gambling operators hoping to enter Rwanda’s newly reopened market. With just one day left, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has reminded stakeholders that Expressions of Interest (EOI) for betting and online casino licences must be submitted no later than September 30.
The deadline caps a two-month window that opened following the RDB’s public directive on August 1. That directive marked the end of a 13-month suspension on new gambling licences, a freeze first imposed in June 2024 under the Prime Minister’s Order N° 028/03. The suspension allowed regulators to review and redesign Rwanda’s gambling framework in line with the 2024 Gambling Policy, which aims to modernise the sector, protect players and attract credible investors.
An EOI is the first step for new operators, allowing them to submit basic details about their company, planned investment and type of licence for RDB review.
The RDB directive provides clear instructions for submissions, stating: “EOIs must be submitted to [email protected] by 30 September 2025, with the subject line: Expression of Interest – Category. Submissions should briefly describe the applicant’s profile, area of interest and proposed investment. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further engagement.”
RDB transforms the sector
Beyond the application process, RDB is modernising the sector’s legal and regulatory framework to create a responsible gambling environment aligned with international best practices while minimising socio-economic harm.
Operations remain under existing laws, and new and existing operators should factor the recent tax increase from 13 per cent to 40 per cent into their financial planning and stay updated on upcoming regulatory changes.
The RDB has also confirmed the resumption of annual licence fee collection for all currently licensed operators. Operators will be contacted directly with detailed payment instructions and timelines, and timely compliance is expected to ensure uninterrupted operations.
The directive emphasised collaboration with the industry. It stated: “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.”
With the deadline just a day away, new operators are being urged to submit their Expressions of Interest now to secure a place in Rwanda’s re-emerging gambling sector.
