Rwanda Development Board (RDB), through the NLGC, has issued gambling licenses to Betway, ElephantBet, and ForteBet

The Rwanda Development Board (RDB), acting through its National Lottery & Gambling Commission (NLGC), officially issued gambling licenses to three international operators, Betway, ElephantBet, and ForteBet.

The issuance of these licenses follows a rigorous and competitive evaluation process designed to attract credible operators who meet strict technical and responsible gambling requirements. Specifically, Betway and ForteBet have been licensed for both Online Sports Betting and Online Casino services, while ElephantBet received approval for Online Sports Betting. 

This move marks the end of a transitional period. In June 2024, Rwanda suspended the licensing of new and existing operators to allow for a “thorough review and redesign” of its regulatory framework. This review was prompted by concerns regarding weak regulatory enforcement, underreporting of earnings, and rising gambling addiction. While the new legal framework is still being finalized, the sector currently operates under the 2024 Gambling Policy and existing laws from 2011 and 2013. 

This opportunity presents a defining feature of this new era, a significantly higher tax burden for operators. In May 2025, Rwanda’s Parliament approved a new tax structure that increased the gambling tax rate from 13% to a substantial 40%. The government intends for these funds to support national development, with a specific portion of gambling and lottery proceeds traditionally channeled into the Ministry of Sports to nurture high-caliber athletes and professional sports programs. 

Read Also: Rwanda Appoints Moja Rwanda Limited as New National Lottery Operator

Despite the entry of new players, the market faces notable friction regarding tax compliance and exclusivity. For example, Choplife Gaming (operator of betPawa) recently made the “precautionary decision” to suspend its online casino and deposit-taking activities. This followed a routine audit by the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), which highlighted unresolved disputes over the interpretation of Withholding Tax (WHT) on player winnings and the deductibility of technology costs. 

The national lottery also saw a change in leadership. In October 2025, the RDB terminated the license of Inzozi Lotto (operated by Carousel Ltd.), citing a failure to meet contractual obligations. While Moja Rwanda Limited was appointed as the new operator in April 2026.  

Rwanda’s push for a regulated and transparent gambling ecosystem aims to balance commercial growth with consumer protection.