Rwanda Bookmakers

Rwanda, situated in East-Central Africa, It borders the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to the west, Tanzania to the east, Uganda to the north, and Burundi to the south. Currently, the environment for sports betting and Rwanda bookmakers is dynamically developing, which creates both threats and prospects for the participants. This article provides a detailed analysis of the Rwandan gambling laws, the history, regulation, and working mechanism of the bookmakers and sports betting industry.

Rwanda Bookmakers

2008: Launch of the Rwanda National Lottery and the Kigali Casino.

2011: Online gambling and casino (Law No. 58/2011).

2013: Setting up of the Gambling Board under the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

2018: Enforcement of Law 016/2018 on the Taxation of Gambling.

2020: Gambling establishments’ shutdown as a result of coronavirus outbreak.

Background of the Laws of Gambling in Rwanda

Legalized gambling in Rwanda started in 2008 initially with the launching of the Rwandan National Lottery. This was a major turning point because it led from a time when gambling was strictly forbidden (1962-2008) to the establishment of a certain gambling industry.

Key Milestones:

  • 1962: Rwanda becomes an independent country after getting a liberation from the Belgium colonization.
  • 1962-2008: To date gambling is still banned in Rwanda.
  • 2008: Opening of the first Rwandan casino – Casino Kigali, and the creation of the Rwandan National Lottery with special permission.
  • 2011: Adoption of Law No. 58/2011 legalizes the casino and online gambling in the country and creates the platform for the private entities to acquire gambling licenses.
  • 2013: Formation of the Gambling Board under the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Rwanda in relation to regulation of gambling.

Gambling Regulation in Rwanda

The legal framework for the regulation of bookmakers and sports betting in Rwanda is well developed and aims at preventing the growth of unfavourable forms of gambling and at increasing the state’s revenue.

Legal Framework

  • Law No. 58/2011: This is the law that forms the foundation of the Rwandan gambling laws with regards to licensing, monitoring and general management of all forms of gambling including sports betting.
  • Ministerial Order No. 01/013 of 20/06/2013: This order elaborates the measures for licensing, fees, and operational conditions of gambling businesses.

Regulatory Agencies of Rwanda Bookmakers

The Rwandan Gambling Board which falls under the Ministry of Trade and Industry is the main regulator of gambling activities in the country. Established in 2013, the board is tasked with:

  • Issuing licenses to operators.
  • The other function is to ensure that there is compliance with the regulatory standards set within the organization.
  • Promoting and maintaining equity in the process.
  • The activities related to the collection of taxes and fees from gambling activities.

With regards to the provision of sports betting services or any other gambling related service in Rwanda, it is a requirement that the operator gains a license from the Gambling Board. It is a quite strict process that enforces certain requirements to be met.

Eligibility Criteria

To receive a Rwandan gambling license, applicants must:To receive a Rwandan gambling license, applicants must:

  • Never had a gaming license rejected in Rwanda or in any other country.
  • Has not at any time in the past had a gaming license suspended or revoked.
  • Ensure that the company has appropriate gaming rooms that meet the set standards.
  • Comply with Law No. 58 of the year 2011.
  • Restriction on the ownership; owners and shareholders should not have criminal records on fraud, money laundering, and dishonesty.
  • Check whether the company is not under any legal processes of foreclosure and or insolvency.
  • Ensure that the company has enough capital to support the whole project from the beginning up to the completion of the project.
  • Be a Rwandan firm with Rwandese equity.

Licensing Types and Fees

The following types of licenses can be issued:The following types of licenses can be issued:

  • Casino: An application fee of RWF 1,500,000 (€1500) and the same amount yearly.
  • Gaming Machine
  • Sports Books
  • Internet Gaming

Rwanda Gambling Taxes

The legal framework governing gambling in Rwanda is provided for in law 016/2018 and 024/2018 on the tax on gambling. The tax structure includes:

  • General Gambling Tax: It is 13% of the gross gaming revenue.
  • Withholding Tax on Players’ Winnings: It entails that 15% of the winnings be surrender to the state.

Besides, the normal corporate taxes are at 30 percent and these are the extra taxes that are imposed.

Rwanda Bookmakers and Sports Betting

Sport betting is one of the gambling activities that are widely offered in Rwanda. After the approval of sports betting in 2011 the gambling activities were brought under the Regulation of Intermediary Service Providers Act and the Gambling Board.

Prohibited and Allowed Bets

The law of Rwanda regarding gambling has a clear-cut stand as to the kind of bets that are allowable and the ones that are not allowable. The emphasis is on equality to prevent one party from taking advantage of the other, especially the consumer. Below are the guidelines that the operators must follow to protect their licenses and enforce compliance.

Sporting Events and Glory Roadmaps.

Rwanda is known for its performance in sports and hence people in this country like placing their bets on various sports. Notable milestones include:

  • 2003: The aspect of Rwanda sports begins to be developed on the national level.
  • 2004: Categorized: Rwandan Athletes :: Dieudonné Disi wins the country’s first ever Olympic medal.
  • 2007: The National football team popularly known as Amavubi makes it to the African Cup of Nations.
  • 2009: Patriots the national basketball team takes the FIBA Africa Championship for Women honor.
  • 2012: The national cycling team Akagera takes the championship trophy in the Tour du Rwanda.

Conclusion

Hence, it can be said that the manner in which Rwanda is trying to regulate bookmakers and sports betting is proof of the country’s efforts to build a proper and transparent gambling system. Thus, the knowledge of the legal framework will enable operators to benefit from this evolving market while enhancing the nation’s commerce and offering interesting prospects to the sports lovers.

FAQs of Rwanda Bookmakers

Africa Bookmakers

Kenya Bookmakers

Kenya Bookmakers

Kenya is located on the equator in eastern Africa, with the East African Rift Valley running through it from north to south. It borders Somalia to the east, Tanzania to the south, Uganda to the west, Ethiopia and South Sudan ... Read More about Kenya Bookmakers
Sudan Bookmakers

Sudan Bookmakers

Sudan is a country that is part of both the Sub-Saharan Africa. Sudan, has one of the richest histories, has not been very favorable on gambling especially on the Sudan bookmakers and sports betting. In this article, the reader will ... Read More about Sudan Bookmakers
Senegal Bookmakers

Senegal Bookmakers

Senegal lies in the western part of Africa and has a history and legislation that defines the current situation with regard to gambling. These activities are linked to Senegal’s strict gambling laws. This article examines the detailed rules and regulations ... Read More about Senegal Bookmakers
Zimbabwe Bookmakers

Zimbabwe Bookmakers

Zimbabwe is a country located in southeastern Africa where gambling has been accepted by society since the early 20th century. In the years that followed, the country's gambling industry, especially Zimbabwe bookmakers and sports betting, has grown tremendously. In this ... Read More about Zimbabwe Bookmakers
Central African Republic Bookmakers

Central African Republic Bookmakers

Being located in the center of Africa and being a landlocked country, CAR has set its own course for the regulation of gambling activities. When it comes to gambling laws and especially the ones concerning Central African Republic bookmakers and ... Read More about Central African Republic Bookmakers
Western Sahara Bookmakers

Western Sahara Bookmakers

Western Sahara is a disputed territory located in northwest Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean; it borders Morocco, Mauritania and Algeria and has a developing gambling and sports betting environment. This article aims to provide a detailed analysis of the Western ... Read More about Western Sahara Bookmakers
Burkina Faso Bookmakers

Burkina Faso Bookmakers

Burkina Faso is located in the upper region of the Volta River, a western African nation, with Benin and Niger to the east, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Togo to the south, and Mali to the west and North. Over the ... Read More about Burkina Faso Bookmakers
Niger Bookmakers

Niger Bookmakers

Niger, located in West Africa, and occupying the southern part of the Sahara Desert, it has a history of practicing some traditional games like horse riding, camel riding, and sorro wrestling. Although the population of this country is predominantly Muslim, ... Read More about Niger Bookmakers
Liberia Bookmakers

Liberia Bookmakers

Liberia is situated in Western Africa and has a neighbor countries such as Guinea, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire and the Atlantic Ocean has been engaged in the provision of gambling services since 1982. Over the years, there have been some ... Read More about Liberia Bookmakers
South Sudan Bookmakers

South Sudan Bookmakers

South Sudan is located in northeast Africa, and is a new nation state that was born on the 9th of July, 2011 from the results of the Sudan Referandum. Most of the traditional games in South Sudan have been wars ... Read More about South Sudan Bookmakers
Scroll to Top