The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) issued the directive in September, giving operators three months to repatriate<\/strong> machines that no longer comply with Rwanda\u2019s 2024 gambling framework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the affected machines were previously licensed but had been installed outside approved venues or exceeded licensing limits<\/strong>. Under the revised regulations, slot machines are now restricted<\/strong> to fully licensed casinos, ensuring they are used responsibly and minimising social harm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Jacques Habyarimana<\/strong>, Head of Gaming Activities at RDB, said: \u201cThese companies have been given a three-month deadline to withdraw<\/strong> their machines and repatriate them to countries where they are permitted. By December, none of these machines should remain in Rwanda.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The directive is part of a broader campaign<\/strong> targeting more than 7,000 <\/strong>unlicensed or non-compliant slot machines across the country. In partnership with Enviroserve Rwanda, authorities are dismantling and recycling<\/strong> machines to reduce gambling-related harm and safely dispose of hazardous electronic components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At Enviroserve\u2019s Bugesera facility, metals such as steel, copper and aluminium are recovered<\/strong>, while plastics are exported for recycling<\/strong> and circuit boards are processed<\/strong> for metals abroad. The initiative also provides skills training for local youth, creating jobs in safe dismantling and recycling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Olivier Mber, Country General Manager of Enviroserve Rwanda, said: \u201cSo far, we have collected more than 3,500 machines from Kigali and the Eastern Province, with collection expanding<\/strong> nationwide.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The crackdown aligns with Rwanda\u2019s national gambling policy<\/strong>, emphasising responsible gambling, minimising social harm and stronger regulatory oversight. The policy restricts slot machines to fully licensed casinos and targets unlicensed or non-compliant<\/strong> machines operating in bars, arcades and other venues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the December deadline approaching, authorities are watching closely to ensure full compliance<\/strong>, marking a key step in consolidating Rwanda\u2019s gaming sector under regulated operations while addressing social and environmental concerns. <\/p>\n\n\nNationwide crackdown continues<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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